Vernon Hills headed to state after winning 1st sectional title

The last time Vernon Hills reached the state meet girls gymnastics meet was 20 years ago.

That year, the Cougars were close to a state trophy, finishing fifth at state.

This season, the Cougars have seen theirs scores reach the highest level in school history.

Vernon Hills captured its first sectional championship with a score of 146.0 at the Mundelein sectional on Tuesday night. The Cougars earned a spot in the state meet next weekend at Palatine High School.

"As a team, we've had those individuals here and there (at state)," Vernon Hills coach Denise Caton said. "As a team it's such a great honor. I can't begin to describe it. I just want to shed my tears of joy. It's a big thing for Vernon Hills and we're excited to go. We're excited to make our mark. I think a trophy would mean a lot to the girls, myself, and to Vernon Hills as a school."

Carmel Catholic finished second (144.175), Stevenson third (142.4), Glenbrook South fourth (138.65), New Trier fifth (137.925), and Glenbrook North sixth (136.425).

"It's the first time all year that we've had a full lineup," Carmel coach Sarah Mikrut Doyle said. "We've been really patient on getting our girls back healthy. We've had the hardest year on varsity in 21 years. We've fought tooth and nail to get here."

Carmel and Stevenson will have to wait and see if they can get any of the four at-large spots with two sectionals remaining at Hoffman Estates and Glenbard West on Wednesday and Thursday. Downers Grove South earned a spot with a 142.125 in the Oswego sectional on Monday night.

"I'm disappointed. We haven't gone that low for a while," Stevenson coach Judy Harwood said. "In these good meets, it's beam that tests you. We didn't pass the test. Historically, our score usually doesn't make it. But I haven't any idea this year."

Anna Becker of Libertyville was the all-around champion with a 37.75. She also landed first on vault (9.625), beam (9.3) and floor (9.475), and fifth on bars 9.35.

"I just kept my confidence and didn't hold back," Becker said. "I was really proud of what I put out there. It's definitely stressful, honestly, the most stressful parts are over. I've made it to state, and I've already made an accomplishment."

Libertyville's Ally Humbert tied for third on the vault with Vernon Hills' Annika Chudy (9.425).

"I advanced to state, and I went in with little expectations," Humbert said. "It really surprised me and I'm really excited."

Niles West's Stephanie Avram was second in the all-around (37.025) followed by Carmel's Clare Keane (37.0), Chudy (36.875) and Stevenson's Ally Gitler (36.85)

Keane, bothered by injuries this year was healthy Tuesday and finished second on bars (9.45), fourth on beam (9.125), and tied for fourth on the floor with Chudy (9.25).

"It finally feels good to be able to do a full not water-downed routine," Keane said. "Just be able to hit for my team and pull us through. Definitely, feel like I'm slowly getting stronger and slowly figuring out all my skills. It's finally starting to click, and it feels good."

Amanda Hamann of Warren finished second on vault (9.6) and Stevenson's Ashley Schabes was tied for fifth with Hannah Agins of Deerfield and Livy Tran of Vernon Hills (9.375). Avram won the bars with 9.5. Fergus of Stevenson was third (9.425), and Gitler fourth (9.4). Becca Tran was runner-up on beam (9.225), Carmel's Chloe Byrne third (9.2), and Lake Forest's Reagan Fisch fifth (9.075). Avram was second on floor (9.3) and Carmel's Sarah Arends third (9.275).