Manteno Magic: Panthers win first sectional title since 1989

Manteno coach Alexis Hosselton wore a special light purple blazer with a sparkly pearl Panther she ironed on herself. The surest sign Manteno Magic would unfold at Chicago Christian High School on Thursday night. The Panthers clinched their first sectional title since 1989 after defeating Aurora Central Catholic, 25-17, 25-23 in the IHSA Class 2A Chicago Christian Sectional final. The night ended with the Panthers leaving no doubt, and her former coach, Carla Wenzel, who was once a head coach at Manteno and an active part of Hosselton’s volleyball career, embracing her.“As a former player who went to this program, the tears were flowing,” Hosselton said. “I can’t believe we did it. But I also knew we were going to do it and that this team was going to do it.”It was a stark contrast to the last title-clinching match Manteno had.A week ago, Manteno was two points away from its season ending in a regional final match against rival Wilmington. The team eventually rallied to take the title