And We're Off......Meet Season Mania

I look forward to this time of year, as does Jillian. After months and months of grueling work, finally there is the opportunity to show what you can do. Meets are mini circus worlds where colors spin around and light bounces off the sequins and stones of everyone's best chosen competition leotards.

First meet of the season is usually the Judge's Cup. This is a meet hosted by the NC Judges and a type of final exam for brand new judges I believe. The great thing about this meet is that the judges actually write down where the deductions were taken as well as what they thought was done well in the routines.

Jillian started on bars. She cast over on her handstands during every warmup. She was a little worried about that going into her routine. But she stuck those handstands like a pro. The angle of her clear hip was a little low, she bobbled when she stood on the low bar, and she took a step on her dismount. Score was 8.9

Next was beam. Lovely routine with just a couple small balance checks. The important thing in this routine is to connect her tick tock back walkover without hesitating. She did it! Score 9.375

Floor was next. First time competing her new routine. It is really a cool dance. She performed it very well. Most deductions came from taking extra steps on her landings out of tumbling. She received a score of 9.05.

Vault was the last event. She has worked hard to improve this, her hardest event. In spite of big steps on both landings, she received her highest score ever on vault.....8.75.

Her all around score was 36.2. She won First Place All Around. She also won first on floor and beam. It was a great start to the season.