Redmond High senior gymnast Emma Anson missed the team’s first two meets this season because of a back injury.

After returning to the mat, she notched a season-best 9.3 on the floor exercise and last weekend qualified for the state meet with a 9.1 in that event at districts. This weekend’s meet will take place at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall.

“She’s been pushing hard. It’s not easy to do,” said coach Jason Farr, noting that Anson’s back is not fully healed. Anson, who was satisfied with her performance at districts, is working on technique and execution to take the pressure off her lower back and distribute it to the rest of her body, Farr said.

Anson hopes to nail a new tumbling pass, which will feature front layout and front pike flips, at state.

The gymnast, who qualified on floor for state two years ago, is Redmond High’s athlete of the month with a 4.0 grade-point average.