Manteno’s season ends in heartbreak despite historic season

The 2026 Manteno volleyball team put their firm stamp on the program despite their season coming to a screeching halt following their heartbreaking supersectional match against Tri-Valley, 15-25, 19-25 on Monday night.“It’s hard because it was the last game, but they have done so much as a group, from their freshman year, from middle school; they have so much to be proud of,” Manteno coach Alexis Hosselton said. “I was blessed to be a part of this. I know they will carry this into the rest of their lives.”Even after the Panthers dropped the first set, there was still a lingering feeling of “why not us?” reverberating from the Manteno sideline.After all, the last time the Panthers had dropped their first set in postseason play, they made a thrilling comeback over Wilmington to take a regional title in a night that ended in jubilation.They had proof of concept.But the Panthers couldn’t find a rhythm against a pinpoint-accurate Tri-Valley team that also was able to do what most couldn’t d