New bars have been raised and changes in the scores are the result.

“The uneven bars has always been our weakest event and this year that is starting to change.  We were able to get a new set of bars over the summer so now we have two sets at practice and it is making a difference,” said gymnastics coach Michelle DeHaan.

The Red Arrow girls are now achieving higher skill levels, attributed to a new set of bars purchased over the summer.

“Having two sets of bars is making a difference,” DeHaan said. “They have more time on the equipment in practice with not having to wait for teammates to finish all the time.”

In Lowell’s 130.95-127.50 loss to Forest Hills Central, the Red Arrows tallied four scores of 7.0 or higher.

Kaezi Bladey continued to keep the top spot on bars.

“Her connections and release move have helped her,” DeHaan said.

Bladey recorded a 7.95 against the Rangers. Teammates Lauren Browning and Sarena Wilterdink each scored a 7.1 while Lauren DeHaan came off the bars with a 7.0.

DeHaan and Morgan Taylor continue to stand out on the balance beam.  DeHaan earned an 8.95 and Taylor finished with a mark of 8.5.

“Last year Morgan couldn’t stay on and this year she’s like a different person – focus and determination that I haven’t seen from her before,” DeHaan said  “She has a backwalkover/frontwalkover combination that she has struggled with that is unique and at the last two meets has nailed it!”

Lauren DeHaan has added difficult turning jumps to her routine.

“As long as she continues to stay on, we are guaranteed a high score for the team for her on that event,” Lowell’s coach adds.

Meghan Plutschouw and Bethany Kaczanowski added scores of 7-6 and 7.45 respectively.

The Red Arrows most balanced scores came on the vault. One-tenth of a point separated four Red Arrows.

Browning penciled in an 8.6 while Colleen Cater, Bladey and Dehaan all posted an 8.5.

The Red Arrow floor routines were led by DeHaan and Bladey with scores of 8.1 and 8.0. Wilterdink and Kaczanowski contributed with marks of 7.85 and 7.75.

Filed under: General, gymnastics