Winn-ing performance helps out Libertyville

Getting back into the gym after the holiday break is tough for some - but not for Amanda Winn of Libertyville.

Winn, a senior, took time off skiing in Colorado, enjoying both the snow and some time away from gymnastics.

No problem for Winn as she returned ready and refreshed. Behind her strong performance the Wildcats posted their best score of the season (136.9) on Wednesday night.

Lake Forest won the North Suburban triangular with 138.5 and Lakes finished third at 105.3.

"This was the first time back in the gym for me," Winn said. "Honestly, I've been on vacation and maybe it was some good rest that helped out."

Winn won a pair of events and finished third in the all-around (34.4). She tied for first on vault (9.5) with Lake Forest's Ofelia Carmichael and had the highest beam score (8.85).

"I really could have stuck it, I took a couple of steps (on the vault landing)," said Winn of her season-best pike-Tsuk. "I had a good score and it could have been higher."

Libertyville's Leah Herchenbach won the all-around honors (36.75). Herchenbach, a sophomore, tied for first on floor (9.15) with Lake Forest's Kendra Kawala. and chalked up first on bars (9.2). The Wildcats' Tori Metcalf placed second on bars (9).

"My routine was OK, but it wasn't my best I can do," said Herchenbach of her floor routine. "I thought my dance was good out there. I did spend some time working on it over the break."

Libertyville keeps taking strides and hopes to continue its progress.

"Getting back into a rhythm is always tough," Libertyville coach Curt Austin said. "I don't think they were totally themselves, but we still came out pretty strong.

"A lot of the girls, I believe, are better than they even believe themselves. This team can do a lot better. We've got a ways to go. It's a very talented group of girls and we're looking in the next month to get into the 140s."

Lakes has one of its younger teams, but the Eagles are getting better each meet.

"Every meet, we're adding new things to our routines," Lakes coach Tiffany Magliola said. "We've got a lot of beginners and inexperienced gymnasts. They work hard and they're trying to get better."

Lake Forest also had its highest score of the season after a three week layoff. The Scouts are moving the right direction.

"It's time to get back into some concentration," Lake Forest coach Robin Strauss said. "Right now we might be rusty. But we're throwing new things in all over the place. We expected this to be an adventure."