Orloskis 10 lifts CMU
Chris McCarty
Orloski proved that Reighard’s decision was the right one, nailing a perfect 10 on the floor exercise for the first time in CMU history. The Chippewas beat Bowling Green 196.325 to 193.200.
“I don’t have any words for how it feels,” Orloski said. “I always know that I can get a 10, but I finally just let it go and it was there.”
With the win, CMU improved to 20-5 overall and 5-0 in the MAC. The Chippewas 196.325 was a new team record, shattering the old record of 195.95 set in 2001.
“This whole week Jerry has been pushing us really hard,” Orloski said. “It is amazing to know we finally did it.”
Because of Orloski’s injury, Reighard said he was going to have her sit the meet out.
“Michele literally couldn’t walk without limping before the meet,” Reighard said. “I wasn’t going to jeopardize her future just to have her for this meet.
The Chippewas started off strong on the vault, with sophomore Sara Burtinsky winning the event with a career-high 9.850.
“It was the first time throwing that vault, and she really did it for herself,” Reighard said. “She was also outstanding on bars, and if it hadn’t been for a fall on beam, she would’ve won the all-around.”
Senior Sarah Dame won the all-around with a career-high 39.275. Dame also took first on the balance beam with a score of 9.90.
On the uneven bars, senior Katie Teft continued her dominance with a 9.950.
After the balance beam, CMU knew every gymnast had to score 9.85 in order to break the school record.
“Balance beam was an adrenaline rush for us,” Reighard said. “After thebeam, I told them that no other team in CMU history had been in their position and they were glad. This team is a team of competitors and they had all the confidence they could break the record.”
Reighard said it took a total team effort to get the season-high score.
“You don’t get to that milestone without everyone doing their share,” he said. “It’s hard to single out one person with so many good performances. Individuals don’t set team records, teams do.”
The score will help the Chippewas boost their Regional Qualifying Score.
“The score will make a major impact,” Reighard said. “Kent State scored really high so they will move ahead of us, but it sets up for a major move next weekend and MACs. It’s getting really close down the stretch.”
The only downside to the meet was the fact that only 790 people were in attendance to see the record-setting performance.
“The crowd was great and they really helped pump us up,” Reighard said. “It is a shame that more people don’t take advantage of seeing what a good team we have, and I don’t think people appreciate our performances.”
The next competition for the Chippewas will take place Saturday at home against Eastern Michigan.
