Esko Volleyball Wins Section 7AA Crown

Nov 6

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

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DULUTH- The Esko Eskomos girls volleyball team has being playing volleyball not only during the volleyball season, but in the off season in anticipation of one day making an appearance at the girl’s state volleyball tournament. That dream came true Saturday evening as the Eskomos swept the Hermantown Hawks to take their 1st Section 7AA crown.

In 2004 the Eskomos captured the Section 5AA championship and made their first ever volleyball appearance but lost in their opening round match up against eventual state class AA champions Tracy-Milroy-Balaton. The Eskomos will be seeking to improve on that 2004 finish entering the state tournament on a roll. Esko lost only one match all year and that was in the championship game in the Virginia Invitational to Heritage Christian. In the 28 wins this year, the Eskomos only went past the minimum three games a total of four times.

“We are so excited to get there,” head Coach Desiree Deleon told Northland Sports Online, “this team will be expecting to do more than just be satisfied with being there.” Deleon added “the girls worked so hard and nobody deserves this more than they do.” The Eskomos will be a team that should not be overlooked at the state tournament as Esko has won 73 games this season while only losing 6 all season long as they compiled an overall record of 28-1.

Esko would win in three straight games Saturday at Romano Gymnasium on the campus of UMD, defeating the Hawks by the scores of 25-16, 25-12, and 25-17. Junior outside hitter Stephanie Bandelin told NSO that “this is an amazing feeling; to work all season long and now make the state tournament this is great.” Bandelin added “playing all summer with these girls made us better and it’s amazing to play with this group.”

Esko used outstanding net play, timely serving, great attacks at the net were too much for the Hawks to overcome as Esko knocked off Hermantown for the second time this season. The first game saw Hermantown jump out to an early 5-3 lead, but that was the only shining spot in the first game as Esko behind Bandelin’s seven kills in the first game helped the Eskomos win by nine.

Esko used the same manner in the second game, as again Bandelin added 4 kills, ace serves, and a timely block as the Eskomos won the second game of the match by thirteen. Hermantown fought hard in the last game of the match but Esko proved to be too strong for the Hawks as the Eskomos posted the win and the section championship.

“They are a great team” Head Coach of Hermantown Susan Wasbotten stated to NSO, “they are so talented.” Wasbotten added “we made a nice run, and have been playing well but we lost to the better team tonight.” “They are like a machine at times, you see every set put exactly where it needs to be and they play within their system.” Wasbotten remarked. The sets she was referring to was Keely Deadrick. Deadrick had an outstanding performance for Esko, leading the way with 47 set assists. The Eskomos do not know their first round opponent is as of yet, the seedings will take place Sunday. Northland Sports Online will have the complete schedule of the state Class AA tournament when it becomes available.

NSO would like to congratulate the
Hermantown Hawks on a fine season and reaching the 7aa section finals. The Hawks finish the 2010
campaign with an overall record of 19-10.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com