Mt. Hope and Cranston West Lead Rhode Island Gymnastics Renaissance
PROVIDENCE — A wave of excitement swept through Rhode Island’s high school gymnastics scene this weekend as Mt. Hope High School and Cranston West secured the 2026 RIIL Division I and Division II championships, respectively. The victories mark a significant moment for both programs, signaling a return to form for Mt. Hope and a redemption story for Cranston West.
Mt. Hope’s Stunning Return to the Top
Mt. Hope’s triumph was particularly noteworthy, achieving a team score of 140.225 to claim their first championship since the 2018-19 winter season. This victory is even sweeter considering the team didn’t qualify for the state championship last winter. The Huskies’ success is built on a deep and talented roster, highlighted by the return of Elle Rodrigues from injury.
Pisasale Shines on the Floor
Sophomore Kara Pisasale continued her impressive form, securing a gold medal on the Floor exercise with a score of 9.4. Pisasale, who finished third in the All-Around competition last year, emphasized the importance of teamwork. “I consider this feels better,” she said. “As great as it was winning floor last year, this year I get to share it with the whole team and it’s more special.”
Mt. Hope’s dominance was especially evident on the Floor exercise, where they recorded a score of 36.875 – a full two points higher than any other Division I team. Charlotte Piper and Rodrigues contributed strongly, finishing second and third respectively.
Cranston West Overcomes Past Challenges
In Division II, Cranston West overcame a narrow defeat in the previous year to claim the championship with a score of 135.475. The Falcons edged out last year’s winner, Prout/Exeter West Greenwich, by a margin of 0.60, demonstrating resilience and a clutch performance on the final rotation.
Desmarais Leads the Falcons
Gianna Desmarais’ All-Around excellence was instrumental in Cranston West’s victory. She secured top honors in All-Around with a score of 37.350 and is poised to be a favorite in the upcoming individual championship. “I’m just happy to win as a team,” Desmarais said. “Especially coming in second last year, it just feels amazing to come in here and win.”
Looking Ahead: Modern England Championships
Mt. Hope, Cranston West, and Prout/Exeter-West Greenwich have all qualified for the New England Championship in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on March 7, representing Rhode Island’s best in the regional competition.
Full Team Results
DIVISION I
1. Mt. Hope, 140.225; 2. Portsmouth, 134.100; 3. Barrington, 127.250; 4. Coventry, 125.175.
DIVISION II
1. Cranston West, 135.475; 2. Prout/Exeter-West Greenwich, 134.875; 3. North Kingstown/East Greenwich, 134.325; 4. Middletown, 129.300.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When were the 2026 RIIL Gymnastics Championships held?
A: The championships were held on February 14, 2026, at Rhode Island College’s Murray Center.
Q: Which schools won the Division I and Division II championships?
A: Mt. Hope High School won the Division I championship, and Cranston West High School won the Division II championship.
Q: What was Mt. Hope’s winning score?
A: Mt. Hope achieved a team score of 140.225.
Q: What was Cranston West’s winning score?
A: Cranston West achieved a team score of 135.475.
Q: Where will the qualifying teams compete next?
A: Mt. Hope, Cranston West, and Prout/Exeter-West Greenwich will compete at the New England Championship in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on March 7.
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