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The Warsaw gymnastics squad is one that's on the brink of success. Much like a basketball team needs a third scoring option or a baseball team needs three quality starting pitchers, the Tiger tumblers are looking for a third scoring option of their own.
Warsaw used the strong performances of Katie Kusserow and Jakayla Snodgrass, but came up short against a talented Huntington North team Thursday, falling 94.1 to 80.4.
"I have two girls who are veterans, they have been finishing first, second, then all the rest of the girls have never had gymnastics," said Warsaw coach Carole Miller-Patrick of her team.
Both gymnasts didn't disapoint against the Vikings with Kusserow tying for first place in the all-around with a score of 31.85, sharing the top spot with Huntington North's Angie Baker.
Baker finished first in the vault with an impressive attempt as she shot off the springs like a cannon, before sticking the landing.
Warsaw sophomore Kristen Fatchett was technically sound on her vault attempt to garner a 6.85.
Kusserow finished tied for second with a score of 8.25, while Snodgrass had an 8.0 in the vault.
Warsaw's dynamic duo also tied for third place on the floor with a score of 7.8.
The Tigers roster boasts six freshmen and no seniors. Snodgrass and Kusserow are the lone juniors on the team.
"We're coming up slowly. We always work toward sectionals. We have a month. So hopefully we'll get a third girl to get those scores up," said Miller.
Warsaw is improving after a start to the year that saw a lot of 2s and 3s on the board.
Freshman Michelle Skiratanakoul had a score of 4.95 on the beam while Sara Hatcher scored a 3.5 on the floor and finished third in the all-around.
While the Tigers are improving in most areas, there is one area Miller-Patrick knows when improved, will draw Warsaw closer to snatching wins.
"One area we're weak in is our bars," said Miller-Patrick of where her team needs to improve.
While Kusserow finished second with a 7.45 and Snodgrass finished third with a 7.35, the Tigers next closest score was a 2.35 by freshman Megan Kammerer.
Kammerer, like the other five freshmen on the Warsaw roster, is a first-year gymnast, so the upside is there.
And its Kusserow and Snodgrass along with Miller-Patrick who will help bring this team along.
"They kind of point things out to the girls. They're really good about correcting. They're the anchors of the team. The other girls look up to them and they're mentors," said Miller-Patrick.
The Tigers are in action again when they travel to Marion Tuesday. The start time is set for 6 p.m.
HUNTINGTON NORTH 94.1, WARSAW 80.4
Vault -Ê1. Angie Baker (HN) 8.55, 2. (tie) Brooke Sims (HN), Kari Ricker (HN), Katie Kusserow (W) 8.25
Bars -Ê1. Baker (HN) 7.6, 2. Kusserow (W) 7.45, 3. Jakayla Snodgrass (W) 7.35
Beam - 1. Laura VanLiere (HN) 8.55, 2. Kusserow (W) 8.35, 3. Baker (HN) 8.2
Floor - 1. VanLiere (HN) 8.4, 2. Sims (HN) 8.2, 3. (tie) Kusserow (W), Snodgrass (W) 7.8
All-Around -Ê1. (tie) Baker (HN), Kusserow (W) 31.85, 2. Snodgrass (W) 30.9, 3. Sara Hatcher (W) 15.95
