BY SAPNA PATHAK
It took one year away from the gymnastics mats to calm Kayla Chase’s nerves.
Chase returned to the roster of Goffstown High’s girls gymnastics team to compete in her second NHIAA Girls Gymnastics State Championship meet, hosted by Salem on Saturday, Feb. 10.
Chase, a junior who also competed her freshman season, returned after an ankle injury sidelined her temporarily.
“It wasn’t really the ankle that stopped me, but it kept me out for a little bit,” said Chase. “But then I stayed away for no good reason, and I realized I really missed it. I realized I’m a lot less nervous this time around, though.”
Chase was joined by her three teammates in the morning session of the two-part meet. Seniors Maggie Bunnell and Maggie Dana and freshman Jana Hieber also competed under head coach Carol Rzasa, who coaches the girls at the Goffstown YMCA.
Hieber entered the meet as one of the team’s two all-around gymnasts, competing in the four events. The freshman finished 37th overall with a team-high 30.350 points. Chase contributed 16.450 points, and Dana finished with 14.450 points.
The Grizzlies finished 13th with 91.100 points, almost 10 points in front of rival John Stark, which finished 14th with 81.975 points.
Dana helped the Grizzlies with a 7.350 on the vault and 7.100 on the beam, Hieber scored 8.200 on the vault, 6.350 on the bars, 7.450 on the beam and 8.350 on the floor exercise. Bunnell scored 8.000 on the vault, 6.700 on the bars, 6.950 on the beam and 8.200 on the floor exercise. Chase tallied 8.250 on the vault and 8.200 on the floor exercise.
Helping the Generals was Ashley Reade, who scored 8.250 on the bars and 8.050 on the floor exercise. She placed 86th overall with 16.300 points.
Lindsy Healy scored 7.750 on the vault and 7.700 on the floor exercise. Kayla Parcells scored 8.200 on the vault, 8.125 on the bars and 9.025 on the floor exercise. Korrie Thompson scored an 8.450 on the vault, 7.775 on the bars and 8.650 on the floor exercise.
Though Chase admitted she was most nervous during her first appearance, Hieber didn’t show any apprehension.
“It’s not that nerve-racking,” said Hieber. “In high school gymnastics, the judges are level nine and I’m a level eight, so I know I’m being judged harder because I don’t have the level-nine skills. I’m doing this for fun until I’m a level nine.”