Newport gymnasts end Woodinville reign, aim for state title | Gymnastics

Kristine Wong, Candace Ho and Malie Fujii all finished in the top-6 in the all-around at last weekend's Sea-King District gymnastic meet, giving Newport the team title and qualifying the Knights for state.

The win also ended Woodinville's four-year streak as 4A state champions. The Falcons scored 169.825, bested by Newport's 171.425.

"Despite sore ankles, wrists, shin splints ... the Newport gymnasts pulled off another big win," said Knights coach Melissa Baker. "Woodinville definitely brought their A-game though. It was a real nail-biter."

It's the first state meet appearance for the Knights in Class 4A. The team has won seven 3A/2A titles and three more before 1998's state meet format change.

Ho finished in first on the floor routine with a 9.475, while Wong scored a 9.6 and won the beam.

Wong took second in the all-around (36.6) behind Ballard senior standout Taylor Stern (36.875). Ho finished third in all-around (36.05), while Fujii took sixth (34.9).

"We are going into the state meet very excited and with the knowledge that we've got to really hit our routines," Baker said, "because the three other teams are scoring right around where we are."

In the night meet for 3A/2A, Bellevue's Jackie Hamilton took second in the all-around competition with a 34.325.

The state meet begins Friday and continues through Saturday at the Tacoma Dome.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.