The Braintree High School varsity girls gymnastics team remains strong despite a couple losses last week. So far they have defeated Weymouth, Framingham, Needham, Norwood and Brookline, and lost to Natick and Newton North. Below is a summary of the team's performance last week, provided by Head Coach Deb Duprey.

The girl's gymnastics team had a rough week this week, losing both of their scheduled dual meets. Their record is now 5-2. The team faced its toughest challenges yet this season in Natick and Newton North. They are hoping to redeem themselves next week when they faces non-league Canton on Tuesday, Jan. 31 and Bay State League member Walpole on Friday, Feb. 3.  

Tuesday, Jan. 24    

Natick: 130.5 – Braintree: 126.55  

The team suffered its first loss of the season to a strong Natick team. Before the meet started, senior Frankie Donahue was recognized by Coach Deb Duprey, as it was Braintree's final home meet. Frankie was thanked for her dedication to Braintree gymnastics for four years and her leadership as captain. Though at the conclusion of the meet it ended up not being her best performance of the season, she still finished 3rd in the all-around (32.15), 2nd on vault (9.0) and 3rd on floor with an 8.55. 

Brooke Ellis continues to stand out on bars, taking 2nd place with 8.5. She also executed a good vault, scoring an 8.7, and tied for 3rd on beam with a 7.9.  Brooke ended up 2nd in the all-around with 32.2 points. 

Erin Shea has done well on beam for Braintree, and took second place in this meet with a score of 8.0. 

It should be mentioned that the beam line-up did an excellent job-with 5/6 girls sticking their routines. Liz McLean, Lauren Machado, Therese Bambery, and Megan Desmond had solid performances on several events. 

Friday, Jan. 27

Newton North: 131. 25 – Braintree: 127.65  

Though Braintree lost to a highly-skilled and young Newton North squad, the lady Wamps had a fine performance and at times during the meet were only trailing by .3 points.  N

Newton North had been doing well and scoring high all season, so the Braintree girls expected a challenge. The girls were pleased that they were able to keep the meet close up until the end. They had an excellent start on vault, earning 33.7 points. Frankie Donahue captured 1st place on that event earning an 8.9.  Erin Shea and Brooke Ellis also stood out on vault, both getting a score of 8.6. 

On bars, Brooke Ellis again stood out for Braintree, earning a score of 8.55-good enough for 2nd place on that event. 

On beam, Frankie Donahue was the only one to place for Braintree (3rd-8.35).  Erin Shea also did a fine beam routine with no falls, earning an 8.1. 

Frankie Donahue (8.4), Therese Bambery (8.4), Erin Shea (8.1) and Brooke Ellis (8.1) all stood out on floor, but Newton North swept that event, which was one of the deciding factors of the meet.  

In the all-around, Frankie Donahue was able to take 3rd for Braintree with 33.35 points.