The Cougar gymnasts achieved their highest score of the season, but it wasn’t enough to win their match with the Verona/Edgewood combined team on Jan. 3.

“We had our best floor routines all year, and the girls did a nice job,” said coach Jean Welch. “They showed lots of improvements.”

Verona/Edgewood won by the slimmest of margins, 127.65-127.60.

A couple of falls off the beam cost the team a chance to defeat their Big 8 rivals, however.

Still, the coach was upbeat.

“Any mistakes came from new skills,” said Welch.

Olivia Rebout won the all-around with a 32.85, punctuated by her impressive 8.9 on the uneven bars.

Stalsberg joined Rebout in the top five of the all-around, placing fourth with a 31.75, which included a second place on the balance beam with an 8.4

Stalsberg and Gracie Hill took first and second place in the vault with scores of 8.45 and 8.3.

Despite the close loss, the team displayed joy and team spirit.

“They have a lot of fun,” said assistant coach Stephanie Hansen.

One of the most fun and unique aspects of their performances is the “Go Cougars” element in each of their floor routines.

The choreography always includes a moment where each girl poses in a claw stance, which prompts a shout of “Go Cougars!” from teammates seated around the mat.

The Cougars are back in action on Jan. 10 when they travel to Madison to take on Memorial.