Manteno volleyball reaches first sectional final under Alexis Hosselton

Manteno volleyball has historically struggled to close out tournament runs, but the Panthers broke that pattern Tuesday night. A 25-6, 25-5 victory over Victoria Soto in the IHSA Class 2A Chicago Christian Sectional semifinal marked the first time the team has reached a sectional championship game under head coach Alexis Hosselton.

Hosselton, a 2015 graduate of the school, has guided the program for five years. Her tenure includes multiple regional titles but consistent losses in the sectional semifinals. She described the previous pattern as being the bridesmaid without becoming the bride. Tuesday’s result ended that streak for the coaching staff.

The win sets up a title match against Aurora Catholic at 6 p.m. Thursday. The Panthers enter the game on a 36-1 season. They won their conference play undefeated, including postseason matches, after a turbulent 2023 season that included six losses. That earlier season is the only losing year in Hosselton’s five years as head coach.

The current roster shares a long history with Hosselton. She coached these players when they were in eighth grade five years ago. Senior Danika Fletcher played varsity volleyball her freshman year in 2023. She described that season as challenging and lacking in team chemistry. She noted that the team eventually found its footing but that the connection was not comparable to the current squad.

Senior Maddy Belisle emphasized the personal bonds within the team. She stated that many players have been friends since childhood and live in the same neighborhood. She said the chemistry built over four years allows them to play for one another. Senior Maddie Gesky added that the team prioritizes teammate success over individual stats. She said players celebrate each other’s kills and digs rather than competing for top honors.

The team’s focus was evident in Tuesday’s performance. They had just clinched a second-straight regional title with a three-set win over conference rival Wilmington the previous weekend. The Panthers dominated Victoria Soto with efficient play. Gesky recorded five kills, two blocks, and five aces. Fletcher contributed 15 assists, four aces, and one kill. Makenna Laskowski added three kills, three aces, and three digs.

Manteno has a strong track record in sectional play. The program has advanced to the state tournament four times in the last five years. Hosselton acknowledged the weight of that expectation. She said her first year involved significant pressure because of the program’s history. She noted that the team is now seeing the potential for a deep postseason run. She called it a coach’s dream when a team buys into the vision.

The upcoming match against Aurora Catholic represents uncharted territory for this coaching staff. The team has worked through various stages of development since the eighth-grade season. They aim for a different result than the disappointment that ended their previous tournament runs. The Panthers will play for the sectional title Thursday evening.