Geneva shines at regionals

After peaking with a 149.15 at the Upstate Eight Conference meet, Geneva was flying high heading into Thursday’s Geneva Regional.

The Vikings kept the roll going straight into sectionals with a dominant regional performance.

Led by senior Dominique Brognia, who was the all-around winner, the Vikings posted a 147.25 to win the meet by 9.5 points over the U-46 co-op and advance to Tuesday’s WW South Sectional.

“They did a fantastic job,” Geneva coach Kim Hostman said. “We started out very strong on the vault with a 38. That’s one of our highest scores. It was deserving, they worked really hard to stick their landings. Our only downfall was bars. We really struggled on bars tonight. Hopefully we’ll hit a better score at sectionals.”

Geneva’s vault performance was dominant, with all five Vikings entries advancing to sectionals as individuals as well. Junior Megan Beitzel led the way with a 9.6. Brognia picked up a decisive win on the beam in addition to her all-around title. Her 9.475 was 0.275 points ahead of senior teammate Claire Scatterday.

Freshman Claire Ginsberg also had a great night, finishing a close second to Brognia in the all-around. She also won the bars (9.4) and floor exercise (9.7).

But it was Brognia that earned the all-around honor with a 37.675. Ginsberg was a tenth-of-a-point behind in second place.

“It was an amazing experience,” Brognia said. “I didn’t have my best meet, but I made up for the other events. I definitely still have to work on bars, but I’m happy that’s the way it ended.”

Grace Ginsberg joined her younger sister and Brognia in advancing to sectionals in the all-around. Senior Alyssa Konkel of the U-46 co-op and Glenbard East freshman Veronika Srey also advanced in the all-around.

Srey also advanced on the vault and bars. Konkel advanced on the beam and floor.

The at-large bids will be determined after the final regional is completed Friday night.

The Vikings now turn their attention to sectionals in four days.

“We all did the best we could,” Brognia said. “We still made some mistakes. A 147 is great, but we still want to hit those 149s. We still have to improve on some things, but it was still a great performance. I’m so excited (for sectionals). There is pressure because we don’t have many days to practice, but it should be good.”