THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 9, 1996 TAG: 9602090640
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
Great Bridge claimed its 11th consecutive Southeastern District gymnastics tournament title Thursday at Western Branch by edging runner-up Deep Creek, 133.95-130.95.
Western Branch was third with 111.1 points and Churchland finished fourth with 84.15 points.
``I knew it was going to be tough,'' said Great Bridge coach Sharon Ivey, whose team fell to the Hornets two weeks ago - the Wildcats' first district loss in 10 years. ``We don't do anything spectacular, but we're very consistent.''
Adrienne Barlow, who finished fourth in the all-around competition, paced Great Bridge by placing second on the vault, beam and floor exercise.
``I feel like we've finally accomplished what we've strived for,'' said Barlow, who missed the loss to Deep Creek while vacationing with her family.
Deep Creek freshman Melissa Suter swept all four events to win the all-around competition with a 37.55.
Suter, who began her career at Ocean Tumblers seven years ago, added three new moves to her routine that awed the crowd and the judges.
Suter nailed a Tucked Tsukahara on the vault for a 9.2 score, a roundoff full-twist dismount on the beam and a double back dismount on the bars.
``I was really pumped,'' she said. ``My stomach just dropped. I was so happy I made it.''
Ashley Eickhoff, a freshman, became Churchland's first all-around entry at the region level with a second- place finish at 34.45. Deep Creek's Laura Bryan was third with 34.35.
Both Great Bridge and Deep Creek advanced to the region meet on Feb. 17 at Warwick High School in Newport News. The top four all-around performers, as well as the top eight individuals in each event also advance. by CNB