Timeout Gymnastics extras

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Updated: March 8, 2012 8:16AM

Powerhouses Portage, Valpo set to square off

Two of the premier teams in the state, let alone Porter County, will get together for a dual meet on Thursday night when Portage hosts Valparaiso.

The most recent coaches’ poll had Valparaiso and Portage ranked one and two, respectively. Both teams are trending up, as each squad posted season-high scores at meets last week.

Last Thursday, Portage defeated Merrillville 111.425-106.225, setting a team record with their overall score.

“We stayed up on the beam, that was a big factor,” said Portage head coach Karen Barcelli. “But we are capable of more. It hasn’t all come together for the whole team at the same time yet.”

Valparaiso took down Chesterton, the fifth-ranked team in the state, 112.85-106.025.

“Chesterton was a very good opponent; you have to be on your toes to come out of that with a victory,” said Valparaiso head coach Lorie Cook. “That’s definitely a nice way to go into the next meet.”

Gymnast
of the Week

Morgan Algozine,
Valparaiso

In vault, uneven bars and balance beam, Algozine earned a score of 9.7, leading her to the top all-around score of 38.2 at last week’s Duneland Conference dual meet against Chesterton.

P-T Top 3

1. Valparaiso

2. Portage

3. Chesterton

— By correspondent
Dave Melton