Three’s a crowd, but it’s enough to win a state title. Lake Highlands proved that Friday by winning the state gymnastics team crown in Alvin, beating out a deeper San Angelo Central squad.
With every move counting, LH scored 231.925 to San Angelo Central’s 230.775 after Friday’s optionals. San Angelo Central had won the last four team titles.
"I am so proud of my athletes," LH coach Addi Ledford said. "They are the most determined young ladies I’ve ever coached. But their heart is what really got them through the competition today. The girls fought for every point and it was well-deserved."
In addition to the team title, LH senior Sarie Morrison won the state all-around title for an amazing third year in a row. Morrison scored 78.175 to top South Garland’s Margaret Mayfield with 77.800.
"Being a three-pear all-around state champion is an honor," Morrison said. "All my events were going pretty good, and the team knew we could not drop any scores, so on beam I was not going to fall because if I did, we might lose team. So on a leap I almost lost it and so I did a major little parade dance and fought for my life to stay on."
LH’s Hannah Van Meter finished fifth in the all-around standings with 76.950 and teammate Kristen DeCosta tied for sixth with 76.800.
"I am really proud and exctied that we came to state to win team and we achieved our goal," Van Meter said. "Everyone did so amazing and I could not have asked for better teammates."
Added DeCosta: "It’s so exciting to be part of something so big. And to come back from a hand injury and help my team win state was a memory for a lifetime."
The state meet continues Saturday with individual event finals at Alvin High School. The scores are wiped clean, but going off Thursday and Friday’s results Morrison would have been first in vault and floor. Morrison has qualified in all events while Van Meter has qualified on all but beam and DeCosta on all but bars.
