By RICHIE HALL
LAFAYETTE – The Noblesville gymnastics team finished in fifth place Saturday at the Lafayette Jefferson sectional.
It was a satisfying finish for the Millers, who had to deal with injuries throughout the season. Noblesville had started its season with scores in the 80s, but rallied into the 90s by the end of the year, including a 92.35 at the sectional.
“I was super happy with how the girls did today,” said Noblesville coach Jody Ramey.
The Millers started with the vault, traditionally their strongest event. Devyn Palmer scored an 8.70 and Olivia Mangin totaled 8.65, both season and career highs. Noblesville scored 25.65 on the vault, the highest of the four disciplines.
“Couldn’t ask for anything better, really, on vault,” said Ramey.
The Millers scored 19.775 on the uneven bars and a 21.65 on the balance beam, with Palmer scoring an 8.30 in that event, a season high. Noblesville then totaled 25.275 on the floor exercise, which became another strong event this season. Palmer scored 8.675, Mangin 8.35 and Cailey Hurst 8.20, all season and career highs.
“We certainly went out with a bang on floor,” said Ramey. “We did a great job.”
Noblesville finished the season 16-18. Palmer is a senior, the Millers will have several gymnasts returning for next year, including juniors Mangin, Kayleigh Sahr, Ella Deno and Cailey Hurst. Freshman Kiley Reisner will return after competing in the sectional this season. Sophomore Makayla Kauzlick was injured and couldn’t compete this season, but will be expected to be back next year as well.
Team scores: McCutcheon 108.175, Harrison 104.45, Logansport 102.40, Lafayette Jefferson 97.90, Noblesville 92.35, Western 87.50, Northwestern 80.85, Southmont 77.875, North Montgomery 75.10, Peru 68.80, Crawfordsville 67.475, Lafayette Central Catholic 62.55, Lapel 36.125, Tri-County 34.675.
All-around scores: Devyn Palmer 32.075, Olivia Mangin 30.40.
Vault: Palmer 8.70, Mangin 8.65, Kayleigh Sahr 8.30, Kiley Reisner 8.15.
Uneven bars: Palmer 6.725, Mangin 6.65, Sahr 6.40, Racheal Glasener 5.475.
Balance beam: Palmer 8.30, Mangin 6.775, Reisner 6.575, Ella Deno 6.15.
Floor exercise: Palmer 8.675, Mangin 8.35, Cailey Hurst 8.20, Sahr 8.025.
The Noblesville gymnastics team placed fifth at the Lafayette Jefferson sectional on Saturday. (Richie Hall)