Photo by Sam Thiel Marshall’s Leah Matzner competes on the balance beam during their meet on Saturday.

MARSHALL — After a three-week break, the Marshall gymnastics team came back to hold its home invitational on Saturday. Despite recording another season-high team score, they fell just short, placing sixth with a score of 125.325. New Ulm placed first with a score of 138.050, followed by Willmar in second (131.250), Redwood Valley in third (126.725), Pipestone Area in fourth (126.275) and Windom Area in fifth (125.600).

Marshall coach Sam Nielsen said she was pleased to see their progress improve despite the long break and felt they had some strong routines throughout the meet.

“It was kind of difficult coming back from a three-week break but it was reassuring knowing that our team score went up again so it was good,” Nielsen said. “We had a few really clean floor and bar routines which helped improve our score and everyone’s been working on new skills over the break and it was fun to see them compete them.”

Cameen McFarquhar led Marshall with an all-around score of 34.650 (8.825 on vault, 8.275 on the uneven bars, 8.275 on the balance beam and 9.275 in the floor exercise) while Clara Bader had an all-around score of 31.575 (8.350 on vault, 7.200 on bars, 8.150 on beam and 7.875 on floor), Jocelyn Schlenner had an all-around score of 24.125 (8.225 on vault, 7.475 on beam and 8.425 on floor) and Kaylee VanHauwaert had an all-around score of 19.825 (6.725 on bars, 6.350 on beam and 6.750 on floor).

Reeana Hassan added an all-around score of 14.675 (8.075 on vault, 6.600 on floor) while Leah Matzner had an all-around score of 14.775 (8.400 on vault, 6.375 on beam), Autumn Deutz had a 6.725 on bars and Sydney Brandt had a 6.525 on bars to round out their scores.

Up next

Marshall will compete next on Monday at St. James Area at 6 p.m.