The pinnacle has just escaped the grasp of the Emerald Ridge girls gymnastics team the past few seasons.

The Jaguars, who have sent individuals to the Class 4A state meet in the past three years, are aiming to send the entire varsity.

Head coach Bobbi Jones said she wants to send all seven seniors — Elisabeth Abbott, Elizabeth Clemens, Michaela Didier, Abby Newby, Celia Peacock, CaroLyne Schmidt and Marta Voldsund.

“We have a goal board where we write out our individual and team goals,” Jones said. “As a team, we want to make it to state. That is the No. 1 goal for our seniors.”

Clemens, Schmidt and Newby are near the top in their respective events. Clemens won the state title on the beam in 2011 and finished third last year. Newby was a state competitor in beam last year. Schmidt finished fourth at state in the vault in 2011 and fifth in bars in 2010.

“Floor and vault are our strongest events,” Jones said. “We have a lot of depth on the team, so if an injury or illness occurs, it has not negatively impacted us.”

The Jaguars have been the only team in the South Puget Sound League to score in the 170s this season.

“We did anticipate a strong start to this season, because almost everyone on our team was returning,” Jones said.

Jones said it will be difficult to see the seniors move on when the season is over.

“It is going to be hard to say goodbye to them,” she said. “These seniors have helped establish a strong gymnastics program. I am going to miss their enthusiasm, leadership and watching them perform.

“I am so proud of them,” she said. “Our athletes support and encourage each other, which makes our program successful and competitive year after year.”