Frederickson Leaves Saxons Beaming

GSL gymnastics

Single out the balance beam as the main ally/culprit.

Both coaches did after Ferris edged host Central Valley Thursday during a five-way meet.

All-around winner Kacey Frederickson of Ferris scored 9.05 on the beam, 1.2 points better than runner-up Mary Bass of Shadle Park. That alone explains Ferris’ 154.7 to 154.35 advantage over CV.

But the Bears could have won if they had stayed on the beam. Top CV gymnasts Lindsay Linerud and Emily Roberts had crucial points deducted for slipping off the beam.

The win sent Ferris (7-1) past CV (6-1) into second place.

Afterward, Ferris coach Bill Christianson and counterpart Kim Brunelle of CV found good and bad about the meet. Neither team was at full strength because of injuries and gymnasts’ prior commitments.

Christianson identified Frederickson’s beam routine as the highlight.

“It’s the first time she has stuck her (flight) series since she busted up her knee two years ago,” said Christianson, who left his position against the wall to stand next to his senior during the routine.

“The series comes at the beginning of the routine, so it was good to start out that way,” said Frederickson, also the winner in the uneven bars and floor exercise on the way to 34.6 all-around points.

Brunelle said CV’s depth should pay off down the road. Her young team didn’t compete to its abilities, as Roberts is still recovering from a broken ankle.

Linerud won the vault (8.5) with a solid landing after a twist. Frederickson, using the same flirty routine of Jerry Lee Lewis songs as she did last year for her floor exercise, scored an 8.65.

“I might as well keep it,” Frederickson said of the routine. “It fits my personality and the judges like it.”

Shadle Park (4-3) placed third, guided by Bass’ eighth-place showing in the all-around. Kelsie Slack tied for fourth in the vault and was 10th all-around for Mead (2-6). Mount Spokane dropped to 0-8.

University (7-0) won the night’s other meet, as freshman Alisa Brandle won her first all-around to pace four Titans in the top five at U-Hi.

Brandle won the vault and floor to score 34.15 and edge teammate Coleen Pierce (33.75). Freshman Amber Baines of runner-up North Central (3-3) had the night’s top score, an 8.9 on the beam, and finished third all-around. U-Hi’s Amber Hulbert won the bars.

Rogers (3-4) placed third, ahead of Lewis and Clark (0-6).

, DataTimes