Gymnasts clinch SCC title with win

By JEN SEAVEY

Journal Sports Editor

NEW ULM -- The New Ulm gymnastics team officially clinched the top spot in the South Central Conference when they finished their dual meet season with a near record 136.175-118.6 win over Fairmont Tuesday.

The team scoring record for a single meet is 136.6 -- just .5 more than they reached against the Cardinals. The Eagles were also just .5 off of the team floor record with 35.65, and with 33.45, they were only .1 away from the uneven bar record.

"The kids worked hard. They deserve it," Backer said. "They are supposed to peak at this time, so we are on the right track."

Allie Betsch took first place in the all-around event for New Ulm with 34.575 points, and Christine Otis placed second with 34.45. Maggie Madsen was the top scorer for Fairmont, placing third in the all-around even with 34.15.

Madsen also took first place on the Vault with a score of 9.05. New Ulm's Betsch was second with 8.975, and Amber Bianchi was third scoring 8.85.

On bars, Betsch took first with a 9.0, and Madsen tied Otis for second at 8.6. New Ulm's Rachel Reinarts placed third with 8.1.

Bianchi placed first on beam with an 8.3, and Otis was close behind with 8.2. Betsch and Madsen tied for third at 7.9.

The Eagles dominated the floor competition, taking the top three spots: Bianchi was first with 9.15, Otis was second with 9.05, and Megan Grussendorf placed third with 8.75 points.

"Our floor and beam events were very nice," Betsch said. "We really improved on beam -- the girls really improved on their routines."

"It was an excellent night," New Ulm coach Jeanine Backer said. "We still had some falls on the bar -- so we have the potential for a 137 or 138 score."

Before this, the team had not set their sights as high as State, but now they are rethinking their chances. According to Backer, Jackson, the 10th ranked team scores 137, and Worthington scores 134. Both teams are in the same section as New Ulm.

"If we do well at regions, we can maybe win," Backer said.

The top team in each region advances to the State tournament, and the top four individuals who place also advance.

But right now, the team is concentrating on their next meet against Martin County West at home Thursday, and the conference tournament. The South Central Conference tournament is Friday at the St. Peter Armory.

"We are looking forward to preparing for the section meet and the SCC meet before that," Betsch said. "We look forward to winning."

The Eagles' record is now 5-0 in the conference, and 7-1 overall.

The New Ulm junior varsity team beat the Cardinals 115.2-72.75.