Esko Advances To Volleyball Section Finals

Wes Vork-NSO

Nov 4

Kerry Rodd-NSO

Twice during the regular season the Hermantown volleyball team defeated the Esko Eskomos in tightly played games. On Wednesday night however, the Eskomos reversed their fortunes by defeating the Hawks 3-0 in the Section 7AA volleyball tournament and ending Hermantown’s season.

“This was the best our girls played all year,” said Esko coach Desiree’ DeLeon. “We lost twice to Hermantown this year, both close matches, and our girls were ready to play.”

Keely Deadrick ran the offense impressively with 45 set assists, four ace serves and six blocks and Kayla Handevidt pounded down 18 kills to go along with two ace serves and seven blocks.

The Eskomos took game won 25-23 and then blew out the Hawks 25-9 in game two before slipping by in game three 25-20.

“The girls just weren’t going to lose a third time,” explained DeLeon. “This confidence will carry over and really help us going into the sectional finals.”

Lydia Pelletier finished with seven kills, five blocks and six digs for Esko, while Stephanie Bandelin also had a big game with 11 kills. Also showing strong performances for the Eskomos were Janae Beaudot with three digs, Alyssa Bergstedt who had three ace serves and Alyson Glumac who recorded seven kills and six digs.

Esko improved to 25-4 on the season and will play Hibbing (19-11) on Saturday in Grand Rapids for the Section 7AA championship.

Kerry Rodd can be reached at kerry@northlandsportsonline.com