Photo by Sam Thiel Marshall’s Clara Bader competes on the uneven bars during their meet against Pipestone Area on Thursday.

MARSHALL — After earning a mark that was higher than its season-best from last year in its season opener on Tuesday, the Marshall gymnastics team looked to improve on that number in its home opener. Marshall did just that, increasing its team score by four points, but ultimately fell just short to Pipestone Area 126.400-121.100 on Thursday.

Despite the final outcome, Marshall coach Sam Nielsen said she was pleased with their overall effort and felt they showed a lot of improvement throughout the meet from Tuesday.

“Our team score increased by four points from Tuesday, so that’s pretty great,” Nielsen said. “I thought they did really well and I’m glad with how hard they’re working lately and it’s showing in the events.”

Cameen McFarquhar led Marshall with an all-around score of 32.950, placing first. In vault, McFarquhar placed first with a score of 8.750. On the uneven bars, McFarquhar placed second with a score of 7.500 and in the floor exercise, McFarquhar placed first with a score of 9.025. Clara Bader added an 8.100 and a second-place finish on the balance beam for Marshall.

“We did a lot more teamwork and cheered each other on, which really helps all of the gymnasts,” Nielsen said. “They were also pushing themselves to do harder skills this time around, which also helps with our team.”

Up next

Marshall will compete next on Tuesday at Fairmont at 6 p.m.