East Islip's Cassie Bergin wins all-around at Suffolk gymnastics state qualifier

The Suffolk gymnastics season was riddled with unknowns. Mainly because all the teams were so good.

Close meet after close meet, there were leaders but no clear-cut contenders to lead the Suffolk state team.

In similar season fashion, the East Islip gym was filled with anticipation on Friday as the all-around winners were announced.

On her home turf, Cassie Bergin won the all-around wth a score of 36.425 at the Suffolk individual qualifiers, securing her spot on the Suffolk state team.

“I didn’t think I would win the all-around or even make it here,” Bergin said. “When I realized, I was really happy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience states.”

Bergin competed in the state meet last year, placing third on beam. The all-around is a whole new experience for her.

On Friday, Bergin placed second on beam (9.450), third on vault (9.050), floor exercise (9.175) and fourth on the uneven bars (8.750).

Haylie Kelly placed second in the all-around at 36.025, a .4 difference than Bergin.

“This is a big accomplishment for me,” Kelly said. “I’m excited to see what states will bring this year.”

Kelly placed first on beam (9.475), tied for fourth on floor (9.150), sixth on vault (8.9) and seventh on bars (8.5).

Sarah Moussa placed third in the all-around with a 35.250. Moussa isn’t a stranger to states either. She competed on bars, beam and floor.

Moussa placed second on floor (9.2), vault (9.1) and sixth on beam (8.975). She fell on bars in her first rotation but she didn’t let that weigh on her for the rest of the meet. “I didn’t expect to make all-around either,” Moussa said. “But I’m excited. It wasn’t my best meet. If I fall on an event I try to leave it at that event and move on. I can’t go back and fix it. But I’m happy to represent Suffolk.”

The state championship will take place March 3rd at Cold Spring Harbor.

“You never know what to expect,” Bergin said. “There can always be someone better than you. I think about my routine, stay calm and do my best. I think we all do. I’m excited to work with the girls on the state team and place in March.”

Spadaro vaults Bay Shore / Islip to top. The Suffolk County championship was interrupted when the uneven bars broke causing a stoppage to the event, Tuesday at Connetqout. The championship continued Wednesday where Bay Shore / Islip was crowned the winner scoring a 170.2. Kerin Spadaro led the combined team placing first on bars with a 9.45.

“I was definitely surprised,” Spadaro said. “I was hurt for the summer and I didn’t think I would even compete on bars.”

Spadaro’s injury kept her from competing in the all-around in the state qualifier.

Before the start of the last county event, the teams were all within a point of each. The final scores are a similar reflection. Connetquot placed second scoring 167.550 and Smithtown was third with 166.8.

The win completes an undefeated season for Bay Shore / Islip. The last time it won a county title was two years ago with a completely different team. With a slew of younger and new girls, Spadaro remained calm and knew the girls would pull through.

“We were all a little nervous because of what happened,” Spadaro said. “But we stayed calm and did well on bars. With all the younger girls on the team, it’s refreshing for them to see a county win.”