Peak Gymnastics’ Victoria Hernandez won a bronze medal on vault at the 2010 USA Gymnastics Washington State Gymnastics Championships March 21 at Seattle Pacific University in the Level 8 competition.

Hernandez stuck her half-on, handspring full off for a season-high 8.65 to garner third place. Her consistent, high-level performances on all four events – 8.85 vault, 8.65 uneven bars, 8.45 balance beam and 8.975 floor exercise – totalling 34.8 qualified her to compete at the Region Two Championships in April in Auburn.

“Victoria has made extraordinary progress this year,” Peak coach Hannah Holt said. “She has worked very hard this year. We think there is a direct relationship between the quantity and intensity of the work she does in practice and the outcome on the competition floor.”

Also qualifying to the optional state meet for the Enumclaw-based team were Level 8’s Kelly Coyle, Michelle McKinlay and first-year Level 9 Olivia Bannerot.

“We are enormously proud of these young ladies, and in fact, all the girls on the Peak team,” Holt said. “We’ve challenged virtually all of them to move up a competitive level, and they’ve responded with commitment, hard work, and great enthusiasm. Look out for Peak next year, and in seasons to come.”

Peak’s compulsory gymnasts were to compete at sectionals Saturday and Sunday in Lakewood.