The Paynesville gymnasts took a tough loss against Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Thunder last Thursday. The score was 118.8-116.85. "After warm-ups, I knew we were in for a close meet," said coach Deb Nehowig.
On the uneven bars, Joy Hemmesch was the only Bulldog to place. She earned a 7.75 for second place.
In the vault competition, Hemmesch and Michelle Wolbeck tied for fourth place, scoring an 8.1. Kelli Fenske came in right ahead of them in third place with an 8.15.
The Thunder dominated the floor exercise. Again Hemmesch was the only Bulldog able to place. She tumbled into third place with a 7.7.
Paynesville's strongest event for the night was the balance beam. Amy Mueller (pictured on the balance beam) placed third with a 6.9. Rachel Koehn scored a 7.55 for second place. And Hemmesch, who had an excellent routine, placed first with a 7.7.
In the all-around competition Koehn placed fifth with a 29.2. Hemmesch scored a 31.25 putting her in first place.
Coach Nehowig said, "It was nice to have Joy Hemmesch back competing in all four events." Hemmesch injured her ankle before Christmas, which limited her to competing on the uneven bars at a couple meets.
The Bulldogs had a meet against Litchfield yesterday. They are looking forward to a make-up meet on Friday at New London-Spicer. That meet starts at 6:30 p.m.
Paynesville - 116.85 LPGE - 118.8