MUNCIE | Even though LaPorte's Abaigale Light didn't perform in all-around this season at the state finals, the Slicers senior still felt she ended her prep career on a high note.
Light, who finished second at state last season on beam with a 9.45, placed fifth this time around -- with a better score (9.475).
"There was a little less pressure last year," said Light, who competed in her lone event in the opening rotation. "It was a little nerve-wracking, but I was able to work through it.
"I think I ended my career on a high note. Now, it's nice to have a chance to relax and watch the rest of the meet."
NEWFOUND RESPECT FOR TUZINSKI: Chesterton sophomore Brandi Tuzinski gained a lot of respect for individual qualifiers at the state finals.
Last year, she competed with her team -- but this time around she was an individual all-around qualifier. Tuzinski placed tied for 11th with Portage's Mackenzie Barcelli (36.5). Her best individual performance was 11th on beam (9.15).
"Being an individual qualifier is a lot tougher," she said. "I have more respect for the girls who do it year in an year out.
"It's also tougher because there's no way to build your score. With a team, you can lead up and gradually get higher scores."
First-year coach Lauren West believes this performance will also help the team next season.
"She'll have two years of state experience, and some of the others only have one," West said. "Going into next year, she's going to want to push the team even harder.
"She's going to try to do what she can to help get the team back down to state."
DOUBLE COVERAGE: For the first time in the meet's history, twins were awarded the Mildred M. Ball Mental Attitude Award. Roncalli's Cassie and Kaitie Schultheis shared the honor.
The duo helped the Rebels finish third as a team (108.6). In all-around, Cassie was fifth (37.325) and her sister was right behind in sixth (37.3).
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