By Dennis Bowling
Manteno Coach Alexis Hosselton has an exceptionally talented eighth grade volleyball team. In addition to many things to smile about, the outstanding team, led by Danika Fletcher and Madelyn Gesky, brought home a win on March 7.
Fletcher, a very poised setter, served eight straight service aces to help win the second game and the match. Gesky, a talented middle hitter, had four kills, and seven service points, to help the Panthers beat Crete-Monee, 25-10, 25-9, in the semifinal round of the Class 8 4A Regional 10 play at Manteno Middle School. With the win, Manteno is a remarkable 24-1 overall. The Panthers also won play the regional title game on Thursday, March 9.
“Danika is a great server,” said a happy Hosselton. “Any spot on the floor that I point to, she can put the ball there. She is just so confident, is very talented, and poised. She can do anything that I throw at her.”
In the second and deciding game of the match, with the Manteno season hanging in the balance, the Panthers were clinging to an 11-7 lead. Fletcher served an outstanding eight straight service aces, which shredded the Comets serve receive for a commanding 19-7 lead, and the Manteno fans were celebrating.
Moments later, Gesky’s smash made it 20-8. Leah Donnelly followed with three straight service points for a 23-8 lead, and a Gesky kill and service point won the match.
Fletcher summarized the win over the Comets, by saying, “I like to serve and set the ball, I just went out and did my job and was focused on getting the ball over the net and in the court. I was just so proud of Madelyn (Gesky). She is very good.”
Gesky drew praise from Coach Hosselton, who remarked, “Madelyn is just a very tough player. When we need a point, she can get the job done. She is a great server.”
“While we have only one loss, we did not want to lose this game,” she continued. “We are just having fun with it.”
In the first game of the match, Crete-Monee had a 4-2 lead. The Panthers Fletcher’s smash made it 4-3. Gesky served six straight service aces for a 9-4 lead. Moments later, Morgan Derrico served six straight service points for a 15-5 advantage. Shortly after, Madison Belisle served three straight service points for an 18-8 lead, followed by Leah Milton serving seven straight service points for the game win.
Gesky, who feels they are a very cohesive group, noted, “Our team works very well together. Danika was able to get me the ball right where I needed it. We have faith in her. She is strong and gets the job done. She just plays her game.”
“Morgan (Derrico) is aggressive,” she added. “She can cover the court very well and doesn’t let a ball drop to the floor.”
Derrico, a talented setter, had four kills, five service points, and five good sets.
The Manteno seventh grade girls team fell short, 25-17, 25-15, to Hickory Creek of Frankfort in the sectional championship contest. The Panthers struggled with some serving and attacking errors.
Manteno’s Makenna Laskowski and Kendall Blanchette each played a great offensive game. Maddy Weiland was digging up balls as a libero, while Nora Donnelly, along with her serves, was attacking in the front row. They finished their season with an impressive 26-1 overall record.