Big debut for Fremd freshman LeMajeur; Reszotko starts comeback

Fremd had its share of injuries last season when it finished fourth at the IHSA state meet, including a left ankle injury to Caitlin Golota that knocked her out of the girls gymnastics sectional and state meets.

The Vikings couldn't shake the injury bug in their season-opening triangular on Wednesday.

Freshman Anna Johnson and junior Alyssia Van Duch both injured their left ankles on the vault, the first event of the evening.

Despite the setbacks host Fremd took first with 142.3 points followed by Hersey (131.1) and Bartlett Co-op (130.7) in Palatine.

"As a team you would rather score a lot lower and have your kids walk away," said Fremd coach Jim Guest of the early season injuries. "Both were on the vault which is surprising because they have been doing so well."

Freshman Shannon LeMajeur helped Fremd rebound by taking first in both the vault (9.35) and beam (9.3), added a third on the bars (8.85) in securing first in the all-around (36.0) in an impressive debut.

"I was a little nervous," said LeMajeur of her opening night. "But I knew I've been hitting my routines in practice, so I tried to focus on what I've been doing."

Sophomore Stephanie Uhrich took second on both the bars (9.05) and beam (9.1) to finish second in the all-around (35.35) for the Vikings.

Golota made her first appearance since last season regional and came up big in a limited performance as the senior took first on the bars (9.25) and third on the beam (9.0).

Elizabeth Uhrich also had a nice start, taking third on the vault (9.2) for the Vikings.

"It was a rough start with Anna and Alyssia getting hurt," added Golota of the Vikings injuries. "When one girl gets hurt it affects everyone, but I thought we responded well."

Katelyn Reszotko missed all of last season for Hersey due to a left foot injury. But the senior made up for lost time on Wednesday by tying for first on the floor (9.3)

Reszotko tore ligaments in her left foot at an early season practice last year, which required five screws in her foot.

"It's hard because I can't really do all the skills I had before," said Reszotko, who was a sectional qualifier her sophomore year."So I'm having to work with what I have."

Junior Katie Dewar also had a nice start for the Huskies, finishing third in the all-around (34.45) and hitting 9.2 on the floor.

Haley Scott added 9.0 on the beam for the Huskies.

"I think we did really well for our first meet," said first-year Hersey coach Jacqueline Parat. "It's great to have Katelyn back and healthy and that is how we want to keep her."

Bartlett senior Emily Potts and junior Taeopae Wetterman tied for first on the floor (9.3) with sophomore Kelly Tocki taking second on the vault (9.3).

Potts was a state qualifier in the all-around and bars last season and is hoping the state experience pays off this season.

"It was a great experience," said Potts. "It definitely motivates me to want to go back again."