Manteno Magic wins first sectional title since 1989
The Panthers defeated Aurora Central Catholic 25-17, 25-23 at Chicago Christian High School to secure a spot in the Supersectional.
By Leila Mansour ·
Manteno Magic volleyball players will now compete in the IHSA Supersectional for the first time in the school's history this century. The team secured its first sectional title in 37 years on Thursday night by defeating Aurora Central Catholic.
The Panthers won the match 25-17 and 25-23 at Chicago Christian High School. This victory follows a regional final win against Wilmington just one week prior, where Manteno had to rally from a two-point deficit in a three-set contest.
Coach Alexis Hosselton, who wore a light purple blazer with a pearl Panther, noted a shift in team demeanor compared to the previous week. She said the players felt comfortable from the moment they entered the gym. Hosselton stated, “I could just feel the comfort from them. From the second we stepped into this gym. They were much more ready than last Thursday.”
The Panthers took the first set decisively. In the second set, they trailed 19-15 before a timeout. Following the break, the team scored six consecutive points to close out the game.
Senior Maddie Gesky led the offense with 10 kills, five blocks, and eight digs. Her height provided a distinct advantage against the shorter Chargers. Hosselton described Gesky as “lights out” for her control of the net.
Junior Makenna Laskowski contributed five kills, eight digs, and five receptions. She played with a brace on her left knee after missing her entire 2025 sophomore season due to a torn ACL. Laskowski said, “I feel blessed. All of that hard work that it took to get back, I really thought it was never going to be like this again.”
Setter Danika Fletcher, a senior who has played varsity since her freshman year, recorded 18 assists, two aces, and nine digs. Leah Milton added four kills, four blocks, and four digs, while Morgan Derrico recorded 11 digs and nine receptions.
Aurora Central Catholic had Natalie Brinka with six kills and Isabel Perez with three. Manteno will face Tri-Valley at Seneca on Monday night in the Class 2A IHSA Supersectional.
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