Jessica Lopez, Miranda Lund lead Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK to title
Jessica Lopez of Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK gets congratulated by assistant coach Dennis Jones after a vault in the Nassau gymnastics team championship at Berner Middle School in Massapequa on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018. Credit: James Escher
It came down to the last rotation Thursday night at the Nassau gymnastics team championship. Undefeated Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, with the floor exercise still looming, had a 2.55-point lead over host Massapequa, the two-time defending champion.
With Jessica Lopez and Miranda Lund on the floor, Plainview (11-0) had nothing to fear, and it won the championship with a score of 174.075. Massapequa was second with 168.675, and Gillian Murphy placed second in the all-around with a 36.175. Oceanside was third with 161.575.
“I can’t even begin to explain how proud I am of our team,” Lopez said. “Everyone has worked so hard, and I’m glad we were able to finish our senior year like this.”
Renee Vulin added, “That’s all we wanted was to win for our last year.”
Lund and Lopez dominated in floor, placing first and second, respectively. Lopez’s routine, which scored a 9.350, had a Latin flair accompanied by a salsa rhythm, while Lund (9.5) added high-flying stunts such as a handless step-out layout in rapid succession.
“Before we went on floor, our mentality was just to kill it,” Lund said.
Lopez added, “We knew the meet could’ve gone either way once we were on floor, and it was amazing to see everyone put it all out there.”
Lopez’s low score on the uneven bars had been a cause for concern, but Plainview held it together for the next two rotations. “Coming back from a mishap can be difficult,’’ Lopez said, “but I have to remember that I’m here for my team and they support me.”
Lund also continued her undefeated streak in the all-around, where she earned a 38.275. Lopez placed third with 35.075.
“It’s cool to continue the streak,” Lund said. “I always go out there and try to do the best for my team.”
For Lopez and Lund, the next step is the NYSPHSAA gymnastics championship, but for now they get to celebrate their last team win.
“It was a good season for us,” Vulin said.
“A great season,” Lund added.
“I really couldn’t be prouder,” Lopez said.
