By Ryan O'Connor

For a squad that won two competitive meets and finished among the top 10 in the state in its inaugural season, the Pelham girls gymnastics team must temper its expectations if it hopes to improve in year two.

“We don’t have the number of competitive gymnasts as a (defending state champ) Salem has, so we’re not necessarily looking for wins, but just to stay consistent and improve every meet,” said Amanda Iwanicki, the Lady Pythons’ head coach.

Still, Pelham returns several athletes from last year’s team, so a better postseason showing is a realistic possibility, she added.

The top returner this season may be junior Chelsea I’Anson, who Iwanicki said is especially skilled at vault and beam. She is likely to be one of the team’s two all-around competitors come the state championship in February.

Six girls compete in each of the four events – bars, beam, floor and vault – and the team’s best two all-around gymnasts take part in all four.

Including I’Anson, others likely vying for a top spot include junior Amber Faucher, who excels in vault; sophomore Xiomaran Riddinger; and newcomers Taylor McCarthy and Chelsey Desmarais, though Iwanicki said the competition is wide open.

“Because we’re still a beginner team, a lot of them give us the most in their individual events,” she said,

Seniors Stacey Chadwick, Emily Cover and Yvonne Figueiredom, and sophomores Kally Riddinger and Alanna Flanagan, also return to compete with the state’s best in various events.

Other Lady Pythons expected to contribute are Vanessa Alicea, Seabrina Blais, Breanna Brown, Daryelle Buckley, Jess Morin and Nicole Prud’homme.

“Our team has really good chemistry,” said Iwanicki. “The kids come in and know my expectations to work hard … My goal (is) to make these kids the best they can be each time out, rather than trying to beat other teams. And hopefully we can have some fun while we’re at it.”