Manteno Volleyball: Historic Season Ends in Supersectional Loss
The Panthers fell to Tri-Valley Monday night, concluding a campaign that set multiple school records and marked the deepest postseason run since 1989.
By Alina Campbell ·
Manteno volleyball players have built a foundation together since middle school, a bond that carried them to the supersectional finals on Monday night.
The season ended with a 25-15, 25-19 loss to Tri-Valley. The defeat stopped the Panthers' run at the supersectional level, a stage they have not reached since 1989.
Head coach Alexis Hosselton noted the emotional weight of the final match. She described the team's journey from their freshman year through high school as a period of collective growth. "It’s hard because it was the last game, but they have done so much as a group, from their freshman year, from middle school; they have so much to be proud of," Hosselton said. She added that she was blessed to be part of the process and knew the players would carry the experience with them.
The loss marked the end of a program that set new standards in 2026. Senior Maddie Gesky broke the school record for blocks and kills. A previous holder of the kill record was Hosselton. Senior Danika Fletcher also set program records for aces and assists. These statistical milestones underscored the depth of the team's performance throughout the year.
Tri-Valley's defense proved difficult to overcome. The opposing team managed to block shots from Gesky and junior Makenna Laskowski, a tactic that limited Manteno's scoring options. The Panthers struggled to find rhythm after losing the first set, despite having previously come back from a similar deficit to win a regional title against Wilmington.
The team’s cohesion was evident in their approach to the sport. Hosselton credited the players for buying into the coaching philosophy from the start. She observed their response to challenges during the summer camp led by Olivet Nazarene coach Jake Ostema. "They excelled," Hosselton recalled. She believed the group was capable of reaching a high level of play due to their strong mesh.
The absence of internal drama allowed the squad to focus entirely on competition. Senior Maddie Belisle highlighted the special chemistry built over four years. "A lot of us have just been really good friends since we were kids," Belisle said. She noted that the bond formed by playing together enabled the team to support one another effectively.
Laskowski praised the coaching staff for maintaining high standards even after victories. She stated that Hosselton never settled for good wins and continuously pushed the team to new heights. This leadership style contributed to the program's stability since Hosselton took over.
Six seniors will depart from the roster after this season. The graduating class includes Gesky, Fletcher, and Morgan Derrico, along with Belisle, Leah Donnelly, and Leah Milton. The program will retain key players such as Laskowski and sophomore Olivia McElroy for future seasons.
The loss concluded a chapter for a group that had played together in various forms since childhood. The team left the court with a shared sense of achievement, having broken school history and established themselves as a top competitor in the region.
