Going into the awards ceremony at the Raider Invitational, the HHS gymnastics team was not sure they had done enough to secure the team win. Facing two state top-20 teams, competition was fierce, and it was anyone’s tournament to win.

“Both Middletown South and Brick are great teams,” senior Cindy Liu said. “It was nerve-racking walking into the awards because we all knew it was going to be close.”

Behind a strong showing from Liu and junior Sam Ringel, the team was able to take home top prize in a field of six teams at the Raider Invitational, hosted at Hillsborough High School on Sept. 15.

Liu took first place on vault,  achieving an impressive 9.450, while junior Haley Mandell took second with a score of 9.375. Liu also achieved fifth place in the individual all-around, with a score of 36.125.

It was Ringel, however, who was the star for Hillsborough. Placing 3rd on both beam and bars, and winning the floor exercise with a score of 9.600, the junior excelled throughout the entire competition. Her incredible effort culminated in her nabbing top-prize in the individual all-around, with a score of 37.525.

“It felt good to beat hard competition, especially so early in the season when all the routines are somewhat new to me,” Ringel said. “Also, it’s the best feeling knowing you helped contribute to the team’s win.”

In the team all-around, Hillsborough just managed to edge out Middletown South, beating the strong competitor by only fractions of a point with a score of 110.200. Middletown South’s score of 109.800 earned them second place, while Brick Memorial grabbed third place with a score of 106.125.

With the win, Hillsborough improved to 3-0 on the season. The team hopes to continue their dominant streak on Sept. 20, when they host North Hunterdon.