Blair gymnasts tumble, fall to QO and B-CC

APR 3, BETHESDA-CHEVY CHASE HIGH SCHOOL—

The gymnastics team placed last for the third time in as many meets, losing to Quince Orchard (QO) and Bethesda-Chevy Chase (B-CC) high schools with a score of 134. The Blazers initially thought they had finished second but later learned of a scoring mistake.

According to co-captain Jessica Stamler, Blair's season woes can be partially attributed to the county's failure to provide the team with the equipment required to practice safely and well.

Blair's overall performance at B-CC was unfocused: Every Blazer slipped or fell during at least one routine.

Senior co-captain Ilene Arnsdorf placed second on beam with a score of 8.6 and sixth on vault with a score of 8.2. Stamler placed fifth on bars and beam with scores of 8.1 in each event, and she placed fourth all-around.

Stamler also earned first place for her floor routine with one of the hardest tumbling runs in the meet. Stamler slipped soon after starting the run, causing her to flub her landing. Despite the fall and a subsequent knee injury, she earned an 8.9.

The Blazers' highest scorer behind Stamler and Arnsdorf was senior Nora Toiv, wtih a 7.8.

Belliveau is pleased with Blair's progress despite the obstacles the team encountered this season. "We're only a second-year team with two former club gymnasts, and I'm really proud of all my beginners," he said.
In every meet this season, the Blazers have surpassed last year's highest score of 120. This year's highest score came in the second meet, when they earned 143 points facing QO, Walter Johnson and Springbrook high schools.

Strong underclassmen contribute to Blair's higher scores, according to Arnsdorf. Freshman Raya Steinberg, who earned a 7.6 on vault, has been key. With the new talent, Blair is able to fill every event, and things are looking up, according to Arnsdorf.

The squad will improve this year with experienced seniors like Stamler and Arnsdorf leading the team. The Blazers' next meet is at Sherwood High School on Apr 24 at 4 p.m.