WILBRAHAM – Catrina Touchette isn’t afraid to challenge herself.
That’s why the Hampshire Regional freshman gymnast tried a difficult move on her first attempt at vault Saturday at the Western Massachusetts championships at Minnechaug Regional High School.
Touchette attempted a Tsuk – a double flip – but lost her footing as she landed. She was more conservative on her next attempt and that vault went much better.
Touchette went into a gallop, jumped off the springboard, performed a quarter turn on the horse before she did her double back flip. Everything went perfect except for the landing, but Touchette remained undaunted and had a strong finish.
“I tried it once before, but didn’t complete it due to circumstances,’’ Touchette said.
Touchette finished second in the all-around competition with a 33.95 score and the Raiders took third in team competition (128.35).
“Our team did very well,’’ Hampshire coach Lisa Anthony said.
Jordan Wytrych, the Raiders’ lone senior, also performed well. So did Katelyn Meunier and Maura Joseph.
Floor was the Raiders’ strongest event. Hampshire scored 128.5 in the event.
“That was our best score of the season,’’ Anthony said. “We have a good group. They all work hard, are energetic, fun and they all get along very well.’’
Floor may be Touchette’s best event, but she has also excelled in the other events.
“Catrina is very consistent,’’ Anthony said.
Touchette was pleased with both her day and the team’s strong showing.
“I did everything today and it felt very good,’’ Touchette said. “I’m good friends with a lot of the girls here and it’s fun competing against them and a little scary because a lot of them have been on my team before.’’
Those other elite gymnasts get together to compete during the offseason.
“They’re all really amazing,’’ Touchette said.
Touchette may be only a freshman, but she has emerged as a leader who sets an example for her teammates.
The freshmen-laden Raiders can use the championship as a learning tool.
“It will be helpful to have more experience next year,’’ Touchette said. “We had a lot of fun today.’’