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PREP GYMNASTICS: High-flying start

Marshall gets a strong beginning with victory over Pipestone Area in season opener

Photo by Sam Thiel Marshall’s Clara Bader dismounts from the balance beam during their meet against Pipestone Area on Thursday. The Tigers defeated Pipestone Area 123.450-117.150.

MARSHALL — With the music blaring loud, chalk dust billowing and routines leaping across the air, the Marshall gymnastics team opened its season with spirit and enthusiasm on Thursday night against Pipestone Area.

The Tigers got things started on a high note, as they defeated Pipestone 123.450-117.150, and Marshall coach Larvita McFarquhar was pleased with their overall performance to begin the year.

“It actually feels really great,” coach McFarquhar said. “It’s been a little shaky, but they did really well and I’m just really proud of them and they all stepped up and did great. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Saphi McFarquhar led the way for the Tigers, scoring 8.775 on vault, 9.000 on the uneven bars, 8.650 on the balance beam and 9.050 on the floor exercise for an all-around score of 35.475 to place first overall.

Cameen McFarquhar scored an 8.300 on vault, 7.700 on bars, 6.850 on beam and 8.600 on floor for an all-around score of 31.450 and a second-place finish while Clara Bader posted an 8.000 on vault, 5.725 on bars, 7.700 on beam and 7.500 on floor for an all-around score of 28.925. Reagan Brandt scored a 7.500 on floor and Reeanna Hassan scored an 8.100 on vault to add to the Marshall effort.

Coach McFarquhar added the team did a good job of fighting for things throughout their routines.

“Just really fighting for things,” she said. “They fought for everything, they stayed on the beam better and fought for their floor and bars and vaults, I was really proud of them.”

With no seniors on this year’s team, the Tigers will be led by a strong core of underclassmen, with all but four of their gymnasts being a sophomore or below. Coach McFarquhar said having that balance of young talent and experience will be a key factor for their team this season.

“It’s nice because now we have a strong team to build on that will hopefully take us to the next level that will get us to where we want to be,” coach McFarquhar said.

Marshall will compete next on Monday against Estelline/Hendricks at 6 p.m. Coach McFarquhar said their biggest takeaway is cleaning up some fundamentals as well as continuing to hone in on the new skills they’re working on.

“Just cleaning up on some things and working on higher skills. It was our first meet, so we scaled it back a little bit just so they could get their confidence under them,” coach McFarquhar said. “Moving forward they just need to work on higher skills and build on their confidence.”

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