The Canton Eaglettes continued to stake their claim as one of the top 4A programs in the state last week, tallying two wins over state-ranked opponents to wrap up round one of District 16-4A play with a perfect 6-0 record.

The Eaglettes played host to preseason favorites Brownsboro Sept. 27, battling down to the wire to claim a five-set thriller.

The Bearettes seized apparent control of the match early, taking the first and second sets by a 25-23 margin to push the Eaglettes to the brink of defeat. Down but not out, Canton began to claw its way back into the contest by taking the third set 25-18 and the fourth set 25-21.

Both teams would save some of their best play for the fifth and deciding set, trading points down to the wire before Canton ultimately prevailed 15-13 to maintain their position atop the district standings.

Three nights later, the Eaglettes returned to the court, this time taking on chief rival Van in the first of two scheduled meetings between the two teams.

Neither team could gain much of an edge on the other during the opening two frames as Van claimed the first set 2518 and Canton the second 2522.

With things tied at 1-1 each the Eaglettes began to gain some separation from their longtime foes, seizing control of the match with a 25-21 run to claim the third.

Van showed plenty of resiliency in the fourth but Canton proved to be too much on the night, taking the frame 27-25 to secure the program’s 24th win of the season.

The week also included a pair of special recognitions for the Canton program as senior Maddie Wilson registered her 1,000th career dig and junior Georgia Crayton registered here 1000th career assist. Both were honored at Canton’s weekly pep rally.

Current district standings show Canton alone in first at 6-0, followed by Van at 5-1, Brownsboro at 4-2, Lindale at 3-3, Mabank at 2-4, Athens at 1-5 and Cumberland Academy at 0-6.

Canton, currently ranked 8th overall in the most recent Texas Girls Coaches Association Weekly 4A rankings, were scheduled to travel to Lindale Oct. 7 and Mabank Oct. 11 before returning home to take on Athens Oct. 14.