Vernon Hills rolls in opener

Rachel Lira pounded 6 kills and posted 5 blocks, and Megan Meline and Shannon Nugent added 5 kills apiece, as Vernon Hills’ girls volleyball team opened its season with a 25-7, 25-12 win over Maine East on Wednesday night.

Sarah Lehman set 39 of 40 with 15 assists for the Cougars, while Nugent and Jenn Claussen each served a pair of aces. Claussen added 3 kills.

“This was a great way to start our season,” Vernon Hills coach Abbie Gutzmer said. “We came with a focus and game plan and stuck with it the whole match. Offensively, we did a lot of good things to build our confidence.”