COLDWATER, Mich. — The Escanaba gymnastics team competed in its third meet in four days here Saturday, placing 10th out of 18 teams in the Coldwater Invitational with 125.735 points.

Esky placed five out of the top 27 gymnasts in all-around, including Abbie Derouin in 11th (32.925), Lizzy Sliva in 16th (32.025), Maddy Block in 20th (30.525), Caitlyn Davenport in 24th (29.775) and Sophia Slight in 27th (27.125).

Derouin placed fifth on vault (9.0) and seventh on uneven bars (8.175). Block was 10th on vault (8.85) and Sliva was 16th (8.65). Davenport finished 20th on floor (8.825).

“I will be the first to admit this was a tough week on me and the gymnasts,” Esky assistant head coach Brent Martin said.

“We had three meets in four days, all on the road. Eighteen hours of total driving along with competing is tough. Coach (Theresa) Pascoe had commitments prior to the season’s schedule being released, so filling in as head coach was tough, but these athletes made it easy with some of their best production at the biggest meet we had on this road trip.”

The meet was also devoted to raising awareness for cancer. Entering Saturday, the Coldwater gymnasts had raised $80,000. By the time the meet was over, they had reached their goal of raising $100,000.

“I’m so honored the Escanaba team was a part of this,” Martin said. “Taking in over $20,000 in one day is something these gymnasts will all remember.

“I lost my mom (Sharon) to lung cancer in December. Knowing this event in Coldwater raised over $20,000 in less than a day made me so proud to lead a team there. Tears were shed by me with guest speakers for cancer, but by the end of the day, my gymnasts reminded me how to smile by giving me some of the best production I’ve seen out of them.”

Esky also competed at Grand Ledge Friday in a dual meet, winning with 123.125 points.

Lizzie Maurer was Grand Ledge’s only available gymnast. She took first in all-around, but Block beat her in vault and Derouin tied her.

“Escanaba is changing this area with gymnastics and I can’t wait to see this program grow,” Martin said. “Especially with the Olympics coming, I expect the love to come with it.”