Merrillville Gary Post Tribune

 

"Great day for the Pirates."

That's what Merrillville gymnastics coach Diane Roberts said after her team edged LaPorte for third at Saturday's Chesterton Sectional, 109.05 to 108.825.

"I'm so happy," Roberts said of getting the final spot in Friday's Valparaiso Regional. "It's been four years since we made regional. We've struggled with so many injuries the last few years."

Saturday was no different. All-arounder Tiffany Leicht hurt a knee on vault but still got a career best 8.8 despite a fall. Senior Arien Taylor was forced to fill in on floor. She started with a career best 9.275.

Then Chandler Hill got a 9.45, Diona Milenkovski a 9.65 and senior Lisa Pozniak 9.475 despite two ankle braces. She got hurt two weeks ago. Roberts first thought it might be a broken ankle. All four floor scores were career bests, as were Milenkovski's 9.225 and fill-in Taryn Woods' 8.65 on beam.

"We had just enough depth to nip LaPorte," she said, adding the No. 7-ranked Slicers beat the No. 10 Pirates in a dual meet and at the Duneland Conference meet.

"We hope Pozniak can go all-around Friday," said Roberts who challenged judges' scores twice and won.

Can't forget this anniversary

Veteran Merrillville coach Diane Roberts made sure to pick a wedding date husband and assistant coach Bill would never forget, March 7.

They were married 28 years ago following the gymnastics sectional. Saturday night they celebrated their anniversary - and a regional berth.

Son Nick, also an assistant coach, told mom that their Pirates nipped LaPorte for the final spot.

"I knew exactly what they needed (on bars, their last rotation) to beat us."

Other gymnasts excel

Valparaiso, led by senior Kellie Kidd, got headlines with its state-record 115.075 score to keep its sectional crown. Chesterton was second with a school record 113.575. Gymnasts from the state's No. 1 and 3 teams did well.

But so did several others. Crown Point senior Trisha Eberly qualified for regional with a career-best 9.725 on floor. Merrillville junior Diona Milenkovski also advanced with a 9.65; she just missed on beam, taking seventh (9.225).

Portage junior Ashley Farley was third in vault (9.6), got 9.425 on floor and took ninth all-around (35.825).

Lake Central senior Lauren Ross, off a shoulder injury, was eighth on vault (9.425) and eighth all-around (36.05).

LaPorte freshman Abbey Light, tied for second on floor at 9.95, was fifth all-around (37.375).