Gymnasts are getting better

The Port Washington High School gymnastics team continues to show improvement.

At the Valders Invitational on Jan. 21, Port finished sixth with 109.475 points. Exam week gave the team a break from mid-week competition and time to improve their routines, coach Gale Sigler said.

“A few falls and added difficulty increased our beam scores, led by freshman Grace Baumann (7.875), followed by Maddie Mellesmoen (7.125),” Sigler said.

Strong floor performances came from Baumann with a 7.6, Clare Ritter with a 7.45 and Gaby Ortiz with a 7.2.

On vault, the Pirates’ strength, Mellesmoen had an 8.05, Ortiz had 7.55, Baumann had 7.5 and Milena Valasek had 7.45.

“I’m very proud of the effort our gymnasts are putting in to make the necessary improvements to obtain even better scores. Each one has added new skills to their portfolio, and now we simply need to execute better so we can reap the benefits of their hard work,” Sigler said.

Against Homestead on Jan. 11, Port lost, 134.8 to 108.375.

Mellesmoen had an 8.25 on vault. Ortiz had 7.8, Baumann 7.75 and Valasek 7.7.

Baumann had a 7.3 on beam and 7.75 on floor.

Port was to compete at West Bend West on Wednesday, Feb. 1, and host Nicolet on Wednesday, Feb. 8.

Grafton/Cedarburg lost at Hartford on Jan. 25, 139.82 to 123.25.

Alaina Jarmuz led the team on floor with an 8.6, beam with 8.025 and bars with 7.65. Kaelyn Chmiel had 8.425 on vault. Jarmuz had 8.2.

Chmiel and Taylor Valenta each had 7.75 on floor. Katie Herkert had 7.825 on beam, and Chmiel had 7.45. Valenta had 7.3 on bars, and Valenta and Lauren Friehe each had 8.0 on vault.

The team competes at West Bend East on Wednesday, Feb. 8.