MUNCIE – A first-timer from Elkhart Central just missed the podium while another newbie from Wawasee took a top-20 spot at Saturday’s IHSAA Gymnastics State Finals.

Elkhart Central sophomore Analena Vanderzwaag, performing in her first year of gymnastics for the Blue Blazers, tied for ninth on the beam at 9.175. There was a three-way tie for sixth place in the event at 9.225. The Flying Dutchman would place 18th overall in the all-around at 35.625, but was well back on floor (9.025, 25th), vault (8.9, 29th) and bars (8.525, 35th).

Vanderzwaag’s teammate, senior Kiara Stabler, competed in just one event – bars – and took home 15th place with her 9.3. Stabler returned to state after competing with the Blue Blazer team last season.

Wawasee’s Reagan Atwood, competing at the state meet for the first time as a junior, was active in just the floor. The chance to compete yielded Atwood a 9.125 score, which was tied for 20th overall. Atwood, who scored as high as 9.7 in the event during the regular season, scored a 9.6 at sectional and 9.325 at regional.

Five of the six individual champions came from the top three teams fighting for the team title. Chesterton freshman Sophia Hunzelman took the meet by storm, scoring a 9.65 on beam to tie with Columbus East’s Adison Minor and compiled a 38.2 in the all-around to win that as well. The Columbus North duo of Ashley Holliday and Claire Thompson were both champions, Holliday with a 9.75 on vault and Thompson a 9.775 on beam. Rachel Montea’s 9.55 on floor was tops, and the Vikings claimed its 12th team title, scoring 112.375 to hold off Columbus North’s 112.075 and Chesterton’s 112.050.