Geneva volleyball squad wins first sectional title in a decade

Geneva volleyball players ended a nine-year title drought on Thursday night when they defeated Montini to win the Class 3A St. Francis Sectional championship.

The match concluded with a 25-23, 25-18 victory for the Vikings. This result marks Geneva’s first sectional title since 2016. The win resolves a goal that has lingered within the program since the team lost to Nazareth Academy in the sectional finals on November 6, 2025.

Outside hitter Emma Peterson led the Geneva offense with 16 kills. Ten of those kills came in the second set. Peterson committed to Dayton University. Her performance helped the Vikings take a commanding lead early in the second frame.

Coach Lauren Kosecki said the team focused on discipline and intensity throughout the match. She noted that Peterson took over the game because she knew the stakes. Zoriana Malone added five kills, and Teagan Lee contributed three. Lee and Ashley Copeland combined for three blocks.

The first set was closely contested. Montini tied the score at 15-15 after falling behind early. Geneva regained separation, but the set remained tight until the end. The set reached 23-23 before a kill by Lee and a Montini error gave Geneva the frame.

The Vikings started the second set with a 7-2 lead. Senior libero Alexis Meives served three consecutive aces to open the frame. She finished the match with four aces. Evelyn Ross and Charlotte Otto also recorded aces. Peterson said the team served aggressively to keep Montini out of their offensive system.

Montini head coach Erik Vogt acknowledged that Geneva’s two outside hitters were formidable. He stated that his team was well-balanced and could compete when passing and defending. Montini finished with 28 wins and made its first sectional final appearance since the 2021 state championship season.

Victora Reed led Montini with seven kills, and Micaela Haggerty had six kills and two aces. Avalyn DeKeyser added three kills, and Moira Quirk recorded two blocks. Vogt expressed excitement about the growth he has seen over his four years as head coach. He said the seniors can leave with their heads held high after a difficult schedule.

Geneva will play next in the Timothy Christian Super-Sectional. The Vikings face No. 5 Lake Forest, who have a 17-17 record, at 6 p.m. on Monday. If Geneva wins that match, they will play the winner of the game between No. 1 Nazareth Academy and No. 2 Lemont in the state semifinals.