Szafranski wins state all-around title; Balser takes fourth on vault

Amherst residents Taylor Balser, left, and Lily Szafranski had excellent performances in the 10-year-old Level 6 New York State Gymnastics Championships. Lily Szafranski and Taylor Balser of Amherst competed in the 10-year-old Level 6 New York State Gymnastics Championships held at Gymnastics Unlimited in Orchard Park. The girls competed against 56 of the best 10-year-olds in all of New York State.

In a spectacular performance, Szafranski earned the title of New York State All-Around champion with a score of 37.900. Szafranski also earned three bronze medals in the event finals. Her highest score of the day was on vault with a 9.600, followed by a 9.525 on uneven bars and 9.425 on floor exercise. Szafranski finished fourth on balance beam with a 9.350. She is the daughter of Lisa Szafranski of Williamsville and will begin fifth grade at Mill Middle School in September.

Balser executed her best performance of the season on her way to ranking ninth in the state with a 36.425 all-around score. Balser's performance was highlighted by a 9.575 on vault that ranked fourth in the state. She placed ninth on uneven bars with a score of 9.00. Balser is a fifth-grade student at Smallwood Elementary and is the daughter of Jennifer and Chuck Righetti of Snyder.

Szafranski and Balser compete for Stumpf's Gymnastics Center and are coached by Leah Recor of Lancaster.