Peotone Volleyball Takes Exciting Win Over Manteno

By Dennis Bowling

Peotone sophomore Ella Stupegia, in the third and deciding game of a wild and exciting match with Manteno, wanted to defeat the highly touted Panthers, and with the aid of some magical serving moments, that made it all possible on August 29.

Stupegia, a very talented libero, had 16 good passes and delivered four clutch serving points, to help Peotone beat Manteno, 24-13, 22-25, 25-13, in a Illinois Central Eight Conference clash in Peotone.

“It was really amazing to beat them,” said a very happy Stupegia. “They are our biggest rival.

“We were down after losing the second game of the match, but when I went back to serve, I just relaxed and served the ball over the net,” she said. “They pushed us, and it was a very good team win. Ashley (Veltman) was amazing and had some great serves.”

In the third and deciding game of the match, with bragging rights on the line, Peotone had a 13-10 lead. A Veltman smash gave the Blue Devils a 14-10 advantage. Veltman served three straight service points for a 17-10 lead. Freshman Alexa Matichak’s tip kill, to an open spot in the Panthers defense, secured the 17^th point.

Moments later, a Manteno long hit gave the Blue Devils a 21-13 lead. Stupegia served four straight service points for the match win, while a Veltman block won the 24^th point.

After the win, the Peotone students came on the floor, huddled with the team, and sang the school song. What an awesome ending to a great match.

“Ella did a nice job at the serving line,” said a happy Blue Devil Coach Kathy Barger. “We were mentally ready. Ashley did a nice job, too. It’s always fun to beat them and come out on top.”

In the second game of the match, Peotone had a 20-19 lead. The Panthers Kaylee Boudreau served four straight service points for a 23-20 advantage. Moments later, Manteno’s Mackenzie Hespen’s tip kill made it 24-22. The Panthers Danika Fletcher served the ball, but the Blue Devils hit was long, and Manteno won the game.

“It felt good to win this game,” said Boudreau, “but it stinks to lose the match. We have to work on the mental aspect of our game, as we have the physical capability.”

“I am really looking forward to the rematch,” she said. “We hope to win and are better than what we showed.”

Manteno Coach Alexis Hosselton was quite pleased with the play of Boudreau: “Kaylee did a great job of serving the ball. She was able to hit the different zones and was picking up the tip kills, too. We need to work on recovering from our mental mistakes.”

“Madelyn (Gesky) had a good game,” she continued. “It’s good to have her on our team. Brynn (Nikonchuk) had an off night, but played good defense and had some nice serves.”

Panther freshman Gesky had four kills and four blocks, while junior Nikonchuk added five kills and four service points.

The all-important rematch between Manteno and Peotone will be on September 26, at Manteno, at 7 p.m.