Outstanding Eagles defeat Ithaca, Wilson

Gildemeyer and Golden Eagles place high in national rankings

By Amanda Seef
NEWS EDITOR

Photo By Amanda Seef, NEWS EDITOR Lauren Gildemeyer

The College at Brockport gymnastics team jumped to a first-place win at the Harriett Marranca Memorial Invitational held at Ithaca College, as the Golden Eagles won a myriad of titles.

Stacy Johnson took the all-around title, which helped bring the team to their domination of both host Ithaca and Wilson College, scoring 184.375 points, while the Bombers could only muster a total of 182.52 and the Phoenix placed third with a score of 166.400.

Brockport dominated nearly all four events, taking first or second -place rankings in the beam, floor exercise and vault.
Lauren Gildemeyer tied for the top spot for the floor exercise with an Ithaca College gymnast, with a 9.550 score. Amanda Giannone finished third for the same event. Other Eagles that finished in the top for floor exercise included Nikki Fisher and Stephanie Baker.

“In regards to this past weekend, I think that as a team, we are finally starting to become more consistent and confident with our performances,” Gildemeyer said. “Although we could still use a bit of improvement on some of the littler things, we are looking to be on the right track for having another successful ECAC competition.”

Gildemeyer has improved to the top of the national rankings in the vault and floor excercise, while the Golden Eagles as a team are ranked second in the nation.

Brockport tied for first place with itself in the beam competition, with Nikki Visnick and Carrie Rock both earning the top score for the competition, a 9.425. Johnson followed the duo with a third-place finish.

Brittany Burr and Fisher took the top spots on the vault, scoring 9.500. Giannone, Johnson and Amy Taylor also contributed to the top scoring on the vault.

The competition this weekend was not the best, as the Ithaca Bombers are currently 1-11. However, the hosts did put out their highest score yet this season at the invitational.

“Our team works really hard and every week we grow stronger,” Johnson said. “Our hard work and determination paid off this week with the win. We are going to continue to work diligently in preparation for ECAC’s and it will pay off with a successful trip to nationals.”

Brockport’s long road toward a championship continues Saturday, Feb. 24, as the Golden Eagles travel to take on the Cortland Red Dragons. Cortland will be a challenging opponent for Brockport, as the team scored a season-high 186.525 points last weekend.