Scotch Plains-Fanwood Gymnastics Opens 2026 Season
Maria Torres · Union County Life
The Raiders enter the gym carrying an elite reputation, protecting a spectacular seven-consecutive Union County championship streak into the new competitive cycle. The program is looking to build upon a dominant 8–1 dual-meet record established during the previous season.
Head Coach Marissa DiBella faces the challenge of retooling the lineup following the graduation of four key championship contributors: Delaney Farley, Kaitlin Har, Nicole Perez, and Maureen Whitney. To sustain the program's championship trajectory, the coaching staff will rely heavily on a veteran core featuring six returning seniors: Alisanne Ball, Natalie DiFabrizio, Emma Johnston, Alyssa Larmore, Sophie Monteith, and Julia Squashic. The senior leadership group is supported by returning juniors Olivia Kwiatkowski and Avery Salinger alongside a sophomore class that includes Lucina Juliano, Jessica Loewenthal, Avery Luccarelli, and Savannah Passucci.
Postseason Milestones and Autumn Calendar
Beyond their county dominance, the Raiders secured a third-place podium finish at the NJSIAA Gymnastics Section C Championships and captured second-place honors at the Cougar Invitational last year. Following today's opener at Cranford, the team will transition to a robust fall schedule. Union County Life tracked the upcoming calendar, which features home meets at the Scotch Plains campus against Union Catholic on September 15, Union on September 22, and traditional powerhouse Westfield on October 6, with all home events kicking off at 4:30 p.m. except for a 3:30 p.m. start against the Blue Devils. The Raiders will also navigate away meets traveling to Summit on September 28 and South Brunswick on October 22.
Photo Credit: The Fanscotian
FAQ
When and where is the Scotch Plains-Fanwood gymnastics season opener?
The Raiders open their season today, Tuesday, September 8, with an away match at Cranford High School starting at 4:30 p.m.
How long is the Raiders' current county championship streak?
The Scotch Plains-Fanwood program has captured the official Union County gymnastics team championship for seven consecutive seasons.
When do the Raiders host their first home meet of the year?
The team will host its official home opener against Union Catholic High School on Tuesday, September 15, at 4:30 p.m.
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