SIOUX FALLS – The Aberdeen Central gymnastics team posted a seventh place finish amongst 11 teams at the Sioux Falls Lincoln Invite Saturday. The Golden Eagles finished with 135.7 points, just a shade behind Parker/Ethan/Hanson/Mt. Vernon’s 133.775 points.

“We hit our team score goal again today, and hope to just keep improving each time,” said Central coach Mickey Everson. “We are nursing some nagging injuries, but our gym has become part gymnastics center, part physical therapy/strength training center. The girls are determined to do better, get stronger and be at their best as we roll into the end of season competitions.”

The Lincoln Invite featured a venue and competitor roster that the Golden Eagles haven’t encountered in a while, and Everson said the fresh set was a welcome one.

“We got our highest team bar score this season, and felt pretty good about some scores the girls pulled out,” she noted.

Everson also added that the girls continue to add new things to their routines as the season rolls into the climactic competitions of the season.

“One more in-season meet next Thursday in Huron, and then it’s ESD, state qualifier and state,” Everson said. “We have one pre-qualifier already (Maddy Wahlberg) in vault, and really hope to add a few more that are one score away.”

Team scores: 1, Mitchell, 151.40; 2, Harrisburg, 150.875; 3, Watertown, 144.975; 4, SF Lincoln, 137.05; 5, O’Gorman, 136.90; 6, Parker/Ethan/Hanson/Mt. Vernon, 133.775; 7, Aberdeen Central, 135.70; 8, SF Roosevelt, 134.55; 9, SF Jefferson, 133.35; 10, Madison, 133.125; 11, SF Washington, 81.95.