DAVID KAPITAN

sports@vanzandtnews.com The Canton Eaglette volleyball program got its first taste of tournament action last week, making their way to Eustace for the Chuck Powers Invitational in Honor of Maggie Groom.

Canton more than held its own in the loaded field, going 5-1 overall while claiming the Gold bracket title.

Canton hung tough on the tournament’s first day, battling back from an early deficit to score a 19-25, 25-15, 16-14 win over the Rusk Eagles. Edgewood would hand Canton’s its lone tournament setback in the following contest, outdueling the Eaglettes 25-19, 10-25, 15-8 in another three-set marathon.

Canton would find another gear following the loss, beginning with an easy 25-12, 25-11 dismissal of Grapeland to wrap up pool play.

With their 2-1 mark in pool play, the Eaglettes were placed into the Gold bracket alongside teams from Scurry-Rosser, Westwood, Blooming Grove, Eustace, Jacksonville, Elkhart and Palmer.

Canton first hit the court Aug. 20 against Blooming Grove, powering their way into the semifinals with a 25-9, 25-15.

The semifinals would prove more of a challenge as Scurry- Rosser played some of its best volleyball of the young season against Canton. Despite the increased level of competition Canton continued to shine, scoring a 25-20, 25-20 to move on to the championship game against Eustace.

The Eaglettes would play the role of spoiler, capping their tournament run with a 25-16, 25-19 win over the event hosts. Following the conclusion of the tournament, Airianna Pickens and Georgia Crayton were recognized as Gold Bracket Tournament MVPs.

Canton will get another run at tournament play this week, staying close to home for the Edgewood Tournament Aug. 25 and Aug. 27. The Eaglettes will also host Sunnyvale Aug. 26, and Sulphur Springs Aug. 30.

Maddie Wilson returns a serve towards Canton’s setter during the Chuck Powers Invitational Tournament in Eustace Aug. 20.