Burns leads a team effort in Commack gymnastics win
Commack's Alyssa Burns with a split during a handstand on the high bar during her uneven bars program. (Oct. 14, 2010) Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
The total points and the balance beam-thin margin of victory? Both were telling of the team efforts as Commack edged Half Hollow Hills, 163.8-162.5, Thursday in League I gymnastics.
The Thunder Colts, without their best gymnast, put forth perhaps their best team performance of the year against the defending county champs. But Commack, clutch late, was able to snatch the win. Throughout, the Cougars (7-0) demonstrated an almost instrinsic ability to pick each other up whenever there was a stumble . . . literally.
During what had been a stellar performance, Shannon Von Braunsberg lost her balance on the beam mid-twirl and fell off. She managed an impressive 8.35, but did cost herself. No matter. Alyssa Burns followed with a near flawless routine and pulled a 9.25.
"It was a little embarrassing because it was one of the best routines I've done, then that happened," Von Braunsberg said. "But we have each other's backs, so it's all good."
Hills pulled close with impressive floor routines by Jill Blumstein and Samantha Fondacaro - 8.75 each - and Dana Passos (8.25), but the Cougars answered.
Michelle Mangini notched an 8.95, Jordyn Miller an 8.65, Von Braunsberg got a 9.15, and Burns, in what she deems her weakest event, sealed it with an aerial-filled number aptly soundtracked by the song "Defying Gravity." After she executed her final tumbling combination - "a whip, immediate back-tuck" - there was little doubt Commack would clinch. Her 9.20 confirmed it.
"It was definitely intense because [Hills] was amazing," said Burns, who won the all-around with a 36.2. "But you can't worry about anyone else, or what the other team is doing."
Von Braunsberg took second with a 34.65 and Mangini had a 32.45 to pace the Cougars. Fondacaro was third overall and led Hills with a 32.75.
It's been a tough start to the season for Hills (2-3), which placed third in the counties last year. Paris Ryder, their top scorer, quit the team three weeks ago to focus on club gymnastics, coach Mark Schilling said. It's forced the others to step up.
"She was obviously our best and we have to make up for her," Blumstein said. "We're all working harder now."
Mangini said the Cougars win because they have fun ("Winning is the cherry on top," she said) and coach Cindy Greenberg attributed the team's success to its closeness. "Even though they compete individually, it's a team sport," she said. "Every point counts."
Clearly.
