USA Sports, a team of gymnasts from Hollister and Gilroy, kicked off its competitive season Sunday at the Pink Meet Invitational 2012, which was hosted by Bay Aerials in Fremont.
“The first meet of the year is always a gauge of how the season will go,” USA Sports head coach Jennifer Yip said. “And I think we are well on our way to a great season.”
Among some tough competition, USA Sports’ Level 4 team finished second (total team score of 104.875) and the Level 5 team finished third (107.025) in a meet, which celebrates the lives of cancer survivors while raising awareness of women’s cancers.
In the Level 4 young division, Gilroy’s Josephine Rawlins placed second (34.75) in the all-around. With a 34.50 minimum requirement, Rawlins qualified for the NorCal State Championships in November in her first competition. She also won uneven bars (8.60) and tied for third on balance beam (8.65.)
“Josie really competed in her first meet like she was a veteran, even though she’s only 8 years old,” Yip said. “She didn’t miss a routine and proved that she’s here to compete with the best of them.”
In the senior division of Level 4, USA Sports finished second, third and fourth in the all-around with Gilroy gymnasts Audrey Hudson (35.55), Hannah Grant (35.375) and Audrey Kaefer (35.25). All three also qualified for the state championships.
Kaefer also took home the gold on uneven bars (8.825). Hudson won the silver on balance beam (9.225) and Grant won a pair of bronze medals on balance beam (9.20) and floor exercise (9.075).
Teammates Jordan West of Gilroy placed second on vault (9.0) and Maya Garcia of Hollister finished third on uneven bars (8.65).
At Level 5, veteran gymnast Louisa Mantilla of Gilroy placed second in the all-around (35.875), vault (8.6) and floor (9.175). She also finished third on uneven bars (8.9) and balance beam (9.20). Her all-around performance also qualified her for the Level 5 state championships.
“Louisa is a very focused and dedicated athlete,” Yip said. “Her performance showed how hard she has worked during the preseason.
“I’m really proud of all the girls. They were true competitors today.”
