Gymnastics
Greater Buffalo Level 4 captures fourth at Team Cup

Sylvester, Demitria Xenos; second row - Alexandra Shilen, Alisha Sojar, Chelsea Smith, Caroline Schwab; back row - coach Danielle Benevento.

The Level 4 girls team from Greater Buffalo Gymnastic and Fitness Center in Getzville participated in the annual Level 4 Team Cup hosted on June 3 at Valley Gymnastics Center in Utica, N.Y.

Greater Buffalo competed against 10 other teams from around Western and Central New York, capturing fourth place in all-around. The team narrowly missed third place by 15 hundredths of a point.

Since this was the final meet of the season, it was the team's last chance to show off their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Greater Buffalo started the competition on balance beam and demonstrated an immense amount of poise and elegance. Two girls were awarded their highest scores of the meet - Alexandra Shilen (9.5) and Chelsea Smith (8.8).

Demetria Xenos (9.2), Jordan Sylvester (8.7) and Maria Pedini (9.125) showed off their flawless skills.

The girls continued their competition on floor exercise to win over the judges with their explosive tumbling and graceful dance. Kathryn Dziwulski scored a 9.2 for her stunning routine. Eye-catching performances were displayed by Alisha Sojar (8.95) and Carolyn Schwab (8.8).

On vault, the girls had their best showing as a team. Dziwulski and Jordan Sylvester both received high scores of 9.4. Close behind were teammates Seychelle Mikofsky (9.35) and Xenos (9.3). Other excellent scores were given to Sojar (9.15), Pedini (9.15), Shilen (9.1) and Schwab (8.85).

On uneven bars, the girls showed no fear as they executed some of their best routines of the entire season. Mikofsky was awarded a 9.25 for her precise moves. Shilen stuck a great routine with a 9.1 and Smith showed great power, receiving her best score on bars so far, an 8.7.

The team is coached by Sara Szczerbinski, Danielle Benevento and Chris Heyer.