RallyNorth.net

Andover may have been hit by injuries this season, but the Golden Warriors still led the way at the Merrimack Valley Conference championship last night.

Led by a stellar performances by Rachel Mattison and Jenny Coneeny in the all-around, the Golden Warriors placed second overall with a 139.45, trailing just Chelmsford (143.7). Methuen finished a close third (138.5).

Courtney Smith scored a personal-best 9.3 in the floor exercise, winning the event as part of Central Catholic's 138.5-127.3 victory over Dracut. Smith placed second in the all-around (34.45) to teammate Shilanna Gallo (36.3).

Central Catholic alum Kristen Vadala came very close to beating her mentors but Andover fell just shy in a 141.1-140.95 decision. Raider Shilanna Gallo edged Warrior Rachel Mattison in winning every event, taking all-around honors by one-half of a point.

Central's Shilanna Gallo broke her previous school record of 9.4 on the vault, spinning a sizzling 9.45 and leading the Raiders to a 134.95-117.4 girls gymnastics win over Tewksbury. Teammate Mackenzie Arndt won the bars (8.5) and the beam (8.8).

Courtney Smith won the vault and all-around to lift Central Catholic past Methuen, 137.7-135.95.

Central Catholic senior Shilanna Gallo scored a 9.4 on the floor exercise to establish a new school record in the event. Gallo also won the vault (8.9), bars (9.4) and took first place in the all-around (36.0).

With the meet coming down to the final event, Central Catholic swept the floor exercise and went on to down Billerica 136.75-134.25. Courtney Smith (9.1), Tori Catanzano (8.9) and Giana Contrada (8.8) clinched the win.