Ithaca finished the 2017 season ranked No. 77 and fifth in ECAC-III. The team graduated only one senior, Lynley Choate, so while her leadership and beam prowess will be missed, Ithaca returns 23 of 24 routines from last year’s end of season lineups. Plus, with the addition of several freshman, the team can hope to improve. While predicting lineups in DIII can be difficult, previews can give you a good idea of what to look for from the Bombers next season.
Vault
The Bombers finished their season ranked No. 77 on vault. Leading the way was now junior Carolyn Nichols, with a season high of 9.725. Other strong contributors that are expected to return include Baylie Trammell (season high 9.65), Victoria Grey (season high 9.65) and Kaylee Pacunas (season high 9.575). Additionally, Ithaca returns a number of consistent performers in Melissa Hollrigl and Maggie Vernette who both had average scores above 9.3 last season. Expect freshman and J.O. national qualifier Kylee Black to make an impact as she touts a lovely Yurchenko layout that has scored as high as 9.325.
Bars
On bars, Ithaca finished the season ranked No. 78, with its season high being a 47.2. Ithaca returns all six lineup routines, including the top bar worker in Trammell, who had a season high of 9.7 and consistently scored in the 9.5 range. Danielle Maffuid and Mina Sherman were two consistent performers who scored as high as 9.525 and 9.425, respectively. Other returning bar workers for Ithaca that have scored above 9.2 include Kendra Balcerak, Kelly Nash, Haley Lyons and Elyse Ryden. The freshmen show potential on bars as well with Black, who has a lovely line and a lovely Tkatchev and bail handstand, and Emily Carey, who competes a stunning pak salto. Bars should be a stronger event for Ithaca next season.
Beam
In 2017, Ithaca’s highest finish was its 74th-place on beam. The Bombers will miss senior Choate’s strong and consistent routine, one that scored a 9.725 once during the season. However, the team is also loaded with returning talent in Balcerak (9.775 high), Hannah Donnelly (9.675 high), Nina Bustamente-Nadeau (9.675 high), Lyons (9.6 high), Paige Landes (9.65 high) and Emily Szembrot (9.675 high). With the top total for that lineup reaching 48.45, the Bombers look to be in excellent shape heading into 2018. With the addition of Black, who competes a front aerial to back handspring series and a switch leap switch leap combo that scored as high as a 9.4 in level 10, Ithaca should expect to improve on the event next season.
Floor
In contrast to most DIII teams, floor is actually Ithaca’s weakest event. However, it looks poised for a strong season in 2018. Five gymnasts who were regular lineup contributors return in Grey (9.51 RQS), Nichols (9.455 RQS), Amy Thomas (9.415 RQS), Landes (9.065 RQS) and Szembrot (9.525 RQS). Additionally, returners Eleanor Almeida, Donnelly, and Amanda Cioli all scored above 9.2 last season. The team can look for routines from Black, who competes beautiful combination tumbling and a rudi, as well as Camryn Heister, who shows nice rebounding tumbling as well.
With strong incoming freshman and most competitors from last years season returning, the Bombers seem like an up-and-coming team going forward.
Article by Morgan Bradford
