Esko Dominates Hibbing, Returns To Section Finals

Wes Vork-NSO

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Nov 3

Kerry Rodd-NSO

Perhaps the slogan for the Esko volleyball team this year should be ‘Leave No Doubt’! On Wednesday night the Eskomos left little doubt that they are the team to be dealt with in the Section 7AA volleyball tournament by demolishing defending champion Hibbing in a 3-0, 25-14, 25-21 and 25-8.

The Eskomos offense was run nearly perfectly by setter Keely Deadrick as the senior setter notched 36-set assists and continually found the hitters with the best opportunity to get the ball on the floor quickly and not allow the Blue Jackets a chance to play defense. Among those on the receiving end of the Deadrick sets was outside hitter Stephanie Bandelin who recorded 14-kills to lead the offense of the Eskomos.

“This feels great,” said Esko coach Desiree DeLeon. “They (Hibbing) are a good team, a well coached team, this was a nice win.”

After taking an easy win in game one, and then a tight win in game two, the Eskomos raised their level of play and left no doubt in game three with a convincing 17-point which served to put an exclamation point in the match.

At one point the Eskomos led by a score of 22-4.

“I am happy not just for the seniors, but the entire group,” state DeLeon after the match. “We have lots of depth and play 10 people so that is important.”

That depth kept the Eskomos fresh allowing Alyson Glumac to finish up with seven kills and five blocks, Amanda Belden recorded five kills and Lydia Pelletier added five digs.

Esko had lost to Hibbing in the last two section finals, so they not only had to overcome a talented Hibbing squad, but they also had to deal with the mental aspect of beating a team which seemed to have their number. The Eskomos overcame those hurdles by leaving little doubt and moving on to the championship game on Saturday night at 8:00 against Hermantown at Romano Gym on the campus of UMD.

Kerry Rodd can be reached at kerry@northlandsportsonline.com