RallyNorth.net

Central claims North Sectional with dominant performance

HUDSON — The Central Catholic girls left no doubt who would be moving on to the state championship.

With a final score of 141.750 the Central girls gymnastics team claimed the Massachusetts North Sectional Championship by an impressive five points over seond place Beverly, and is moving on to the State Championship.

The Raiders were undefeated heading into todays championship and certainly performed up to that standard. They finishing first in the vault with a 37.025, first in the bars with a 33.050, first in the floor with a 36.325, and third in the beam with a 35.350. 

"We went in as the number 1 seed," said Central assistant coach Heather Fusco. "We got off to a good start with the vault, but struggled a little on the beam. But fortunately we closed out really strong on the bars and floor."

Central was lead by senior Kayleigh Dugan and junior Keara Loughlin, who both placed in the top six in the all-around. Dugan got her day started with a team-leading 9.475 on the vault.

"It means so much to be moving on because we've worked so hard all season," said Dugan. "We lost one of our girls who transferred, but we worked really hard and got the points we needed in the MVC to get to sectionals. Central has never made it to states. To just make it to sectionals was already fantastic, and I'm just so happy to be able to keep competing."

Both the North and South Divisional championships are taking place Saturday, where the top four from each will move on to states next weekend. Andover will also be moving on to states, as they finished fourth in the meet with a 136.450.

"I've been here six years, and it's the first in my time here winning sectionals," said Fusco. "I know coach Duncan (Gould) has been here nine years and he has never been to states as well."

Central will enjoy its victory today, but the girls know that there is still work to do before States.

"I'm super excited to be able to go and compete, and I know we are all really thrilled" said Dugan. "We need to work on some landings, but I know we're going to work so hard this week. I've been extremely confident in our team all season, and I have a lot of confidence going into States. We have so much talent, and it has just been amazing being with all the great gynmasts we have on our team this year."