Youngberg helps Warren get its kicks

Chelsea Youngberg will trade in her gymnastics leotard for a soccer jersey after the winter. For now, she's getting her kicks a different way.

The Warren senior believes both gymnastics and soccer help her as an athlete.

"I guess it keeps my endurance up throughout the year," she said. "My legs are stronger, and with the running I get benefits with tumbling."

Youngberg helped the Blue Devils post their highest score of the season Wednesday night, as they chalked a 144.95 in a North Suburban Conference triangular at Vernon Hills. Lake Forest had a 125.85 and the host Cougars totaled a 108.85.

Youngberg and sophomores Kaley Braun and Katie Vovolka help complement senior Kacie Holop and sophomore Kim Gotlund in Warren's lineup.

"It all comes together," Youngberg said. "It's important for all of us to be there. The two of them (Holop and Gotlund) can't do it by themselves."

Youngberg took third in the all-around Wednesday night with a 35.65. Holop (37) and Gotlund (36.65) finished 1-2. Youngberg was also third on floor (9.3). Gotlund took top honors with a 9.5 and Holop was second with a 9.4.

Vovolka picked up third on vault (9.25). Holop (9.5) and Gotlund (9.4) earned the top two scores. Holop won bars (8.9) and Vovolka placed second (8.65).

Warren counted 6 falls on beam, however.

"We still have room for improvement," Warren coach Carrie Parker said. "I thought we had a good week (in practice) on beam."

Vernon Hills' Fallon Faia finished third (8.35) on beam. She's trying to get back to sectionals this year and has state aspirations, too.

"It's my goal to make it there," said Faia, who reached the sectionals in three events as a freshman. "I worked hard over the summer at the Gymnastics Spot 3½ hours a day and five days a week."