Randolph Girls Gymnastics was tested last week at two fiercely competitive meets, beating West Milford in the first on Tuesday, Sept. 17, but suffering a loss to Pascack Hills in the second, two days later on Thursday, Sept. 19.
At the West Milford meet, the Rams won with a score of 102.875-90.975, but came up short against Pascack Hills, with a close final score of 100.625-99.05.
Despite the Pascack Hills loss, the week was a testament to the dedication and teamwork of all the gymnasts. While often seen as an individual sport, gymnastics requires collective strength to secure the highest combined team score. This score is based on competition in four events: vault, balance beam, uneven bars and floor. There’s also an all-around title for athletes who compete in all four events.
“I think we are a really strong team this year, and it has been great to have some new assets added to the team,” senior captain Sanaa Thakkar said. “I plan on encouraging each athlete to tap into their strengths and set goals for themselves throughout the season.”
At the West Milford meet on Tuesday, the Rams won every event and started off the meet strong, competing on the uneven bars. This event is known to be emotionally and physically challenging for many girls on the team, but freshman Juliette Crisafulli stepped up to the challenge, finishing first for Randolph.
Thakar led the team in points, scoring first in the all-around with 34.4 points. Just two points behind her were junior Ava Shadwell and senior Alexa Capriglione.
“While individual performances shine, it’s the combined effort of every gymnast that pushes the team toward success,” said Head Coach Susan Falleni, who encourages the team to work together. “Don’t be someone’s anchor, be their wings,” she often tells the girls as a reminder to lift each other up and help the team not push each other down.
The Rams drew on this collective energy to gear up for Thursday’s meet at Pascack Hills, but it was not enough to take the win. Thakkar and Crisafulli placed second and third in the all-around, with both scoring 33 points. Crisafulli also placed second in the uneven bars and floor, and Thakkar placed second in beam and third in vault.
Though their determination and teamwork were there, the Rams missed the Pascack win by a mere 1.825 points. The loss did nothing to hurt the team’s unified spirit, however. “When I’m stressed out, I talk to my friends and teammates to relieve the stress,” Capriglione said. “I tell everyone they’re okay, and they can do it.”
The Rams compete against Clifton next tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 23.
