Guilderland gets chance

Two points (1.925 to be exact).

In practically every sport, teams that lose by two points are applauded for their effort and given a pat on the back for being so close.

But in gymnastics, where the scores run higher than the average Paul Westhead contest, two points (1.925 to be exact) can be excruciating.

That's how close Guilderland head coach Brenda Goodknight and her Dutchmen came to stopping Saratoga Springs' eight-year reign at the top of Section II gymnastics. The Blue Streaks ran their stretch to nine straight following a 169.475-point performance in last season's sectionals.

The Dutchmen finished with 167.550.

"Surprisingly, I wasn't really that frustrated," said Goodknight about her feelings after the defeat. "I was very proud of my girls. All in all, I was very proud that they stepped it up the way they did."

Goodknight is quick to point out, however, that she and her team do realize how close they really were and are poised for another opportunity.

"Oh, they're aware of it," Goodknight said. "We've made some gains and I'm pretty hopeful to get back."

The last team that won a sectional title before Saratoga started its incredible streak in 2001 was Guilderland. The Dutchmen also claimed a Suburban Council title in 2007, right in the midst of the Blue Streaks' dominance.

Goodknight has already received some of the best news she could toward her goal as Kara Goodknight, her daughter and a senior this season, will return to the lineup after missing all of last season with an injury. She fractured her left ankle and eventually had two pieces of the talus bone removed and two bone spurs shaved.

Senior standout Alexa Patnaude, who finished second in the all-around at sectionals, also returns and sophomore Jackie Levy, a two-time state qualifier, is back.

Brenda...