Gotlund conquers nerves in opener

Many gymnasts often have butterflies on Opening Night.

Kim Gotlund included.

While the Warren sophomore is a varsity veteran, she battled nerves Wednesday night. Suffice to say, she won the battle.

Gotlund posted top honors on three events and the all-around, as Warren won its season opener over host Libertyville 142.5-130.75.

"I think all of us were a little bit nervous and shaky," Gotlund said. "We just need to get our confidence back for the rest of the year."

The meet marked the debut of Carrie Parker as Blue Devils coach. She took over for J.R. Halek, who coached Warren to a fifth-place finish at state last year.

"I thought we were pretty good even though we had a lot of mistakes," Parker said. "We have tons of things to add and improve on. I still think we're off to a good start. We were looking to break 140."

Gotlund landed a layout Yurchenko on vault, earning a winning score of 9.7. She also placed first on beam (9.4) and bars (9.1), and was second on floor (9.0) behind teammate Kacie Holop (9.05). Gotlund won the all-around (37.2), with Holop finishing second (35.05).

The Blue Devils' Katie Vovolka placed second on beam (9.0), while Chelsea Youngberg tied Holop for third.

Libertyville appears to be a much stronger compared to the last few years.

"I thought we had an outstanding opening meet," Libertyville coach Curt Austin said. "I believe we've got a pretty deep team. There's always some nerves but there was some excitement. It really shows what kind of team we have this year."

Wildcats freshman Leah Herchenbach picked up third in the all-around (35.05), placed second on bars (9.0) and was third on floor (8.65). Libertyville's Megan Stubbs took third on vault (9.15).

"I believe it helps to be nervous," Herchenbach said. "I just kept the thought in my mind that I can do this."

Stevenson d. Vernon Hills: Stephanie Wojton led the way for the Patriots in their 136.850-105.650 win.

Wojton placed first on all but one event, winning bars (9.25), beam (9.25) and floor exercise (9.45), as well as the all-around (36.75).

Vernon Hills' Fallon Faia earned a winning 9.3 on vault.

Boys basketball

Grayslake Central 69, RL 42: Sophomore Andrew Sipes scored 24 points and Michael Brumm added 16 for the Rams in the nonconference game.

Round Lake (1-4) was led in scoring by Mike Mpokota's 12 points and Jon Martinez's 10.