Plainview JFK team to beat in gymnastics
Plainview JFK's Victoria Vitale performs her routine on the uneven bars during a varsity gymnastics meet vs. Great Neck South. She scored a 7.30 in the event as Plainview JFK won the meet,159.3-129.8. (Dec. 10, 2012) Credit: James Escher
In high school gymnastics, the name of the game is youth. But could Plainview JFK's senior-led team be the key to wresting back that county championship from Bethpage?
After two years of defeating Bethpage for the Conference I title and falling short in the team championship meet, you can guarantee that Plainview JFK is hungry -- it returns three state qualifying seniors. Led by stalwart Victoria Vitale in her sixth year on the varsity, as well as floor virtuoso Melissa Kropf and Katrina Migliorini, the team will have to work around the loss of last year's individual champion Jordan Sack. Out recuperating from a shoulder injury, the sophomore is tentatively expected to return in January, about enough time to possibly make the state championships, said state team coach Kim Rhatigan.
Despite the setback, Plainview JFK, known for its strong beam routines and overall consistency, will be one of the teams to beat, along with Rhatigan's Bethpage. The defending county champions return a veritable smorgasbord of talent, including Alexis Fraher, the ninth-grader who tied for second in the all-around in the individual tournament. Sarah Ciresi, who went to the state tournament as a vault specialist, returns and is expected to be a leading force. Alexa Pepe, also a state gymnast, helps round out a very strong team.
A balanced Hicksville returns junior Rebecca Rilling and senior Lauren Cecco, while Long Beach has a standout in eighth-grader Meghan Maquet. After an uneven season last year, Oceanside hopes to bounce back behind Stephanie DiLorenzo. Meanwhile, Hewlett's Ali Bezalel, now a junior, continues to be one of the best gymnasts in the county.
In Conference II, Sabrina Swenson leads a strong North Shore team that might get stiff competition from Port Washington (Eleni Kouvouras). Lawrence hopes to make strides behind Gaby Levey, a club gymnast, and Taylor Luck.
