Desmarais wins All-Around title

Cranston West sophomore Gianna Desmarais put on a show at the Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s Gymnastics State Championships on Sunday, becoming only the second athlete in school history to capture the All-Around title when she rolled to an overall score of 37.2.
Desmarais had a breakout season last year as a freshman, winning the Vault competition and taking second on Bars to wrap up a top-10 finish for Johnston. She returned with the Falcons this year and put on a performance for the ages, defending her Vault title, taking first on Bars and finishing third on the Beam.
Desmarais was equally as dominant on Saturday as she finished the team championship with a 36.9, leading the Falcons to a second-place finish in Division II. Although last year’s individual champ Lauren Horrigan of La Salle Academy was considered the favorite heading into the weekend, Desmarais’ confidence grew throughout the week, especially after Saturday’s stellar performance.
“I’m really happy and I’m glad I won. I wasn’t really expecting it (at first) but seeing how yesterday went, I was expecting it. I’m happy,” said Desmarais. “Confidence. I came into this competition very confident. This week I conditioned myself my hardest so I was happy about that, my confidence was up this week. I came out here and did what I know how to do. I knew if I came in here with confidence and focused on myself that I could push through it.”
Desmarais was also thrilled to represent her new team, one that features one of the biggest rosters in the state.
“I find it easier being here at West, I find it easier having a team here to support me. It feels better and helps my confidence,” said Desmarais, who will now turn her focus toward the upcoming New England Championships, where she will be competing in Vault, Bars and Beam.
“It feels great, I’m very honored. Going forward, I only wish for more,” Desmarais said.
Prout/Exeter West Greenwich took the DII title with a total score of 133.400 while Cranston West finished second with a 132.750.
Desmarais took first place in all four events in the DII finals. Emalee Dorrance, Lexee Felicio, Madilyn Bolton and Siran Sahakian all qualified for the Floor for the individual state finals. Bolton finished with a 31.800 score on Saturday, second on the team behind Desmarais.
The Warwick co-op finished the day in fourth place in the DI meet with a total score of 132.350. La Salle took first overall.
Abigail Marino led Warwick with a total score of 33.350 while Lia Franchetti finished with a 32.950. Mackenzie Long placed sixth on Beam in the individual meet on Sunday.