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Hand Gymnastics Opens the Season with a Win

The Hand gymnastics team opened its campaign with a win on Jan. 3, beating RHAM 133.05-126.9.

Senior Kimmy Megargee led the way with a 35.3 all-around score, posting a 9.0 on the vault and 9.15 on bars. Sophomore Stefani Taschner earned a 9.1 on the vault from the judges and an 8.6 on the floor, while senior Maia Smith had an 8.35 on bars and an 8.0 on the beam. Senior Maggie Naclerio's performance was highlighted by an 8.35 on the beam.

"We're very pleased with a 133 as our first meet score," said Hand Coach Kelly Smith. "We look in shape, we have a high level of difficulty, and overall, we had a good day. We had some falls, which are normal for the first few meets, but we only fell on some of the most difficult tricks that we're still perfecting."

This meet also marked the high school debuts of the youngest Tigers. Freshman Madi McNielly (vault, bars, floor) and sophomore Aimee Merkle-Scotland (vault) both competed as high schoolers for the first time.

"Overall, we were really proud of the girls and this is a great starting point for this season," Smith said.

-Nick Greene