Gymnastics: Irish win final dual, sections are next

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The Rosemount gymnastics teams will have a different view of things when it enters the Class 2A, Section 3 meet next week in Woodbury.

The Irish entered last year’s meet as the favorites and came home in second place.

They’re hoping for a little reversal of fortune this time around.

At this point, Eagan and Woodbury are both rated ahead of Rosemount. Woodbury will host the section meet on Friday, Feb. 20.

“Eagan and Woodbury are both very good teams,” Irish coach Jason Passeri said. “Right now, they are scoring higher than us. Last year, we were the favorites and finished second. This time we go in as the underdog.

“I think we will know our fate right away. We are the second team to hit the beam. If we hit all five, we will have a good chance.”

Rosemount showed it can be in the thick of things with another strong showing this week.

After a couple of down meets recently, the Irish beat Apple Valley 143.1-139.75 on Tuesday. The 143.1 was their best total since scoring 144 at Lakeville South on Jan. 20.

Katrina Clayton won the uneven bars with a 9.075 and the balance beam with a 9.2. She also took the all-around competition with 36.55 points.

Tara Gottschling scored a 9.2 to win the vault, and added a personal-best 9.575 to win the floor exercise.

Claire Judeh finished in fifth place in the vault with a 9.0.

Katie Murgic was third on the bars with a 9.0, and Kathy Aune was fifth.

Murgic added a third-place finish on the beam with a 9.05, and Macy Stearns was fourth with a 9.0.

On the floor, Clayton was third with a 9.45 and Judeh was fifth with a personal-best of 9.1.

The 143.1 total also came as Rosemount rested a few gymnasts in preparation for the section meet.

All-around standout Murgic only competed in three events while still trying to recover from an ankle injury. Clayton performed each routine, but had rested most of the week.

Passeri and the Irish are hoping every member of the team is ready for next week.

Tags: sports, gymnastics, rosemount, woodbury