By David F. Pendrys (Eyewitness account augmented by official team releases.) (Official Ursinus Results)

COLLEGEVILLE, PA- In the NCGA East Regional Championships, the Ursinus Bears set a new school record and Division 3 record of 193.550 to win and also advance to NCGA nationals. Brockport’s Golden Eagles were not far behind either putting together a 193.075 and a trip to nationals as well. Cortland’s 191.450 earned them third place and the final team spot in nationals. Springfield placed fourth with a 189.075, Ithaca fifth with 188.075, and RIC, had it’s highest score in ten years, a 180.1.

Cortland’s Amanda Scanlon won the Vault title flying to a school record tying 9.825, edging Ursinus gymnasts Kristina Steffenhagen and Kristin Aichele who both had 9.8s. Elise Konikoff had the third highest score of 9.775. Amanda Carney was Brockport’s best vaulter scoring a 9.7. Marissa DeAngelo led Springfield tallying a 9.625, Brittany Vasile and Rachel Lee of Ithaca topped their team putting up a 9.55. RIC’s Victoria Costello had a team best 9.475.

Stephanie Schuler of Brockport took the Bars win swinging to a 9.775. Vanessa Scalora of Ursinus posted a 9.725 for second. The third highest score of 9.675 was put up by Kaelin Ruoss and Lauren Chavis of UC, Madison O’Braitis of Brockport, and Brianna Kerr of Springfield. Maddy Scozzie led Cortland with a 9.6, Kenda Balcerak had a 9.5 to top Ithaca gymnasts, and Courtney Osborn was first among RIC scoring a 9.075.

Jillian Casarella won the Beam for Ursinus scoring a 9.825 edging Springfield’s Abby Clark and her school record breaking 9.775. Scanlon posted the third highest total of 9.75. Schuler and Jennifer Sklenar had Brockport’s best score of 9.675. Margaret Nieto and Rachel Lee had the same score to lead Ithaca. Osborn paced RIC as well on this event with her 9.125.

On the Floor it was Steffenhagen and her school record breaking 9.875 winning the event with the highest score of the meet. Brockport’s Lily Jagodzinski was right behind with her 9.85, and fellow Golden Eagle Lexi King had a 9.8. Meghan Goyden scored the highest for Cortland flipping to a 9.75. Valerie Cohen’s 9.675 led Ithaca. Clark’s 9.575 was the best Springfield score on the event. Emma Hartan’s 9.125 led Rhode Island College.

Ruoss took the All Around title thanks to a school record breaking 38.675 total score. Pocius was second with a 38.225 (narrowly missing tying the school record) and Scozzie third with a 38.2. Scanlon was fourth tallying a 38.125, Clark fifth with a 38.075, and Marissa DeAngelo had a 37.975.

Steffenhagen was named NCGA East Region Coach of the Year. Ruoss and DeAngelo were both named NCGA East Co-Rookie’s of the Year. Ithaca Coach Rick Suddaby was named NCGA East Region Coach of the Year. Retiring Springfield Coach Cheryl Raymond was honored post meet as well by one of her former students, NCGA head Jennifer Miller-McEachern.

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