by Frank Aceto

Associate Sports Editor

They did exactly what they planned to do.

The Lady Explorer gymnasts proved they were among the elite on the grandest stage of all.

Hudson placed third with 141.275 points at the state meet, which concluded March 6 at Hilliard Bradley High School.

Sure they were ecstatic, but the Lady Explorers could have been even more enthused if a few more things went their way.

“We just missed second,” Hudson head coach Randi Chepke. “The girls did tremendous job and we’re thrilled, but since it was that close, it was a little bittersweet.”

Strongsville, the Lady Explorers’ Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division rival, edged out Hudson for second with 141.6 points. Brecksville-Broadview Heights won its 10th state title with 148.05 points.

The Lady Explorers also had two individuals fare well. Freshman Bridget Madel placed seventh in the all-around competition with 35.575 points and 14th on the floor exercise (9.0). 

In the all-around competition, Madel scored a 9.45 on the uneven bars, a 9.025 on the vault, a 9.05 on the balance beam and a 9.0 on the floor exercise.

Junior Sophie Horsch captured 13th on the floor exercise (9.025).

“Sophie and Bridget both had an outstanding day during the individual events,” Chepke said.

Madel has been the team’s top performer throughout the season.

“Just a week ago, Bridget had a less than stellar day at the district meet, but she used that disappointment as motivation to work hard in preparation for states,” Chepke said. “She may not have hit the podium this year, but she should have no regrets. 

“She has grown as a gymnast. She’s more confident and self-assured and I’ve no doubt she’ll reach that pinnacle next year.”

Horsch, who recently returned from an ankle injury, qualified as an individual for the second consecutive year.

“Sophie turned in her usual top-notch routine on the floor exercise,” Chepke said. “She’s an awesome competitor and I’m so proud of her for fighting her way back to the state championships again this year. Her ankle injury put some serious restraints on her training, but she kept a positive and determined attitude and she wasn’t going to let anything keep her from making that return trip.”

Madel led Hudson in three out of four events in the team competition.

She scored a 9.25 on the bars, a 9.1 on the beam an a 8.975 on the floor. Jaylen Lewis, who qualified for the state meet last season as an individual, paced the Lady Explorers with a 9.125 on the vault.

Also contributing to the team score were Horsch (9.0), senior Corinne Tam (9.0) and Madel (8.95) on the vault; Gurreri (8.825), Lewis (8.6) and Horsch (8.425) on the bars; Gurreri (8.825), Faith Cahoon (8.675) and Maggie Kleiman (8.45); and Horsch (8.875), Gurreri (8.675) and senior Kate Kromer (8.525).

Kromer, the team captain, and Tam, concluded their careers for Hudson.

“I couldn’t be happier that my two seniors, Kate and Corinne, got to finish their high school gymnastics careers at the state meet,” Chepke said.

“Both have had highs and lows this season, but when it came down to it, they gave the best of themselves each and every time they walked out on that competition floor.

“We’ll miss them next year. They both played pivotal roles on the team — Kate as a contributor on floor and bars and Corinne on beam and vault.”

Despite these departures, the Lady Explorers won’t lack talent next season. In fact, the girls may be just as strong or better next season, according to Chepke.

“We have seven juniors back,” she said. “We hope to get a couple more all-arounds in that group. All the girls know how to motivate each other and they want it desperately. I’m proud of my girls. They were awesome.”

E-mail: faceto@recordpub.com

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