Manteno reaches sectional final after 25-6, 25-5 win over Victoria Soto

Manteno volleyball advanced to the Class 2A Chicago Christian Sectional championship match after defeating Victoria Soto 25-6 and 25-5 on Tuesday night.

The victory marks a new milestone for the Panthers under head coach Alexis Hosselton, who has led the program for five years. As a player, Hosselton was part of teams that won regional titles but lost in the sectional semifinals. She described those past experiences as being "the bridesmaid, never the bride." Tuesday’s win ended that streak for the current squad, securing a berth in the final match for the first time in her tenure.

The Panthers enter the final game with a strong record and a deep connection to the program. Hosselton, a 2015 graduate of Manteno, has coached the current senior and junior groups since they were eighth-graders. Senior Danika Fletcher, who played varsity as a freshman in 2023, noted that the team lacked chemistry in that earlier season. "It was hard to connect," Fletcher said. "But it does not compare to this year." Senior Maddy Belisle added that the players have grown up together in the same neighborhood, which has strengthened their bond on the court.

The team’s performance this season has been consistent. In 2025, the Panthers lost only six games, including one in conference play. This year, they remained undefeated in conference play, including postseason matches. The win over Victoria Soto followed a three-set victory over Wilmington the previous weekend, which clinched a second consecutive regional title for the Panthers. The team displayed focus and control against Victoria Soto, with key players contributing significantly to the score.

Senior Maddie Gesky recorded five kills, two blocks, and five aces in the match. Senior Danika Fletcher provided 15 assists, four aces, and one kill. Makenna Laskowski added three kills, three aces, and three digs. The team’s dynamic relies on collective effort rather than individual stardom. Gesky stated that teammates are always excited when another player makes a great play, such as a kill or a good dig. This mindset has allowed the Panthers to maintain a high level of play throughout the season.

The Panthers will face Aurora Catholic at 6 p.m. on Thursday to determine the sectional champion. Hosselton expressed confidence in her players, noting that they are aware of their potential and have bought into the team’s goals. "It’s exciting because I know they are capable of going as far as they want to go," Hosselton said. The coach has witnessed the team’s development from the middle school level through the high school years, and the current roster represents the culmination of that long-term process.

The journey to this point has been steady since Hosselton’s second season in 2023, which was the only losing season under her leadership. Each year has built upon the last, resulting in a team that is now one game away from the supersectionals. The players view the upcoming match as a continuation of their work rather than a sudden surge. They have prepared for this moment since the start of the season, aiming to finish the run with a title.