Hornet Gymnasts Edge Closer to State Qualification on Seniors Night

With several gymnasts chalking up for the final home meet of their career, the Hornets had their best performance of the season.

Saline won the tri-meet with Sturgis and Parma Western. Saline placed in all four events, finishing with 139.925 points. Sturgis was second with 130.9. Western finished with 123.8 points.

Hornets coach Mandy Brown said the team put it all out there for seniors Jordan Toor, Sammy Richart and Darah Fitch.

“I think the girls went out knowing it was the seniors' last home meet and it pushed them to do well tonight,” Brown said. “This was our best meet so far. We were going for a team score of 140 and we were really close to that. Our score keeps going up, which is really a plus.”

Richart and Toor agreed that it was an big night.

“I was so excited to come out on senior night. It only happens once and you have to wait four years to do it,” Toor said.

Richart said it was an important night for her.

“It was special knowing it was our last meet here. We're a family. We love each other. We have a lot of fun,” Richart said.

It’s even more fun when you win.

Saline won each of the events.

In the vault, Toor (8.9), Richart (8.9), Fitch (8.45) and Kelsey Grim (8.65) led the Hornets to a score of 34.9, slightly better than Sturgis’ 34.25.

On the uneven bars, Toor (9.0), Richart (8.6), Ericka Tapia (8.4) and Gabbie Ralph (7.75) led the Hornets to a score of 33.7. Sturgis was second with a score of 31.1

On the balance beam, Richart (9.35), Fitch (8.6), Kelsey Flanagan (8.7) and Kirsten Settle (8.1) led the Hornets to a score of 34.75. Sturgis was second with 31.6.

In the floor exercise, Richart (9.3), Toor (9.2), Flanagan (9.125) and Settle (8.9) gave Saline a score of 36.525. Sturgis was second with a score of 33.9.

The Hornets visit Parma Western Feb. 11 and Edsel Ford Feb. 16 before the SCGL Championships at Parma Western Feb. 18. The regional takes place March 3 at Canton High School.

With Friday’s win, Saline is in first place in the SCGL. Saline can win the conference by winning the meet Feb. 18.

“Our goal is to win the conference and finish in the top three at regional so the whole team can get to states,” Toor said.

If the team doesn’t finish in the top three, it can qualify as a wildcard with a score of 140.

“We’re almost there,” Richart said.