The three girls who compete in rhythmic gymnastics at P.O.P. Gymnastics — formerly Rising Stars Gymnastics — all placed at the Washington State Championships March 21 and qualified to compete at the Region II Championships in Forest Grove, Ore., April 18-19.

Alyssa Garza placed first in the all-around to become the state level 5 junior B champion. That makes her first among 14- to 15-year-olds at level 5.

Competing in the child C category for 10- to 11-year-olds, Leah Wysocki took third place at level 4 and Kaitlyn Bostrom took fifth place at level 5.

Rhythmic gymnastics differs from traditional artistic gymnastics in the tools of the trade.

“What’s different is the rhythmic teams compete with different apparatus — ropes, balls, hoops and ribbons,” said Melissa Bostrom, Kaitlyn’s mom. “We do more balletic type movements than throwing yourself through the air.”

But, Bostrom added, all gymnasts at P.O.P. take dance classes to incorporate into their routines.

The top 10 out of regionals qualify for Junior Olympics at Virginia Beach, Va. May 28-31.