The Canton Eaglettes entered the year with high expectations, hoping to surpass last season’s brief playoff run with a longer playoff stay.

Canton more than accomplished that feat, following up a scorching hot regular season that saw the team climb as high as fifth overall in the weekly 4A rankings with bi-district, Area and Regional Quarterfinal round titles.

The Eaglettes would add to their trophy case November 8, fending off a stiff challenge from a highly regarded Texarkana Pleasant Grove program to reach the Regional Tournament for the first time since the 1968 Canton program reached the 2A State Tournament.

Canton had gotten the better of the Lady Hawks earlier during the 2022 campaign, sweeping past Pleasant Grove in tournament play during the opening weeks of the season. The rematch would prove to be more competitive as Canton outlasted the Lady Hawks in four sets to advance.

The Eaglettees and Lady Hawks were evenly matched throughout much of the first set in their rematch before Canton strung together a big run to take the frame 25-19. The Lady Hawks roared back in the second, turning back Canton at every turn to even the match with a 25-10 run.

Pleasant Grove would put Canton in a 5-1 deficit early in the third set, but the Eaglettes responded with some of their best play of the season to bounce back and take the frame 25-22. Canton would clinch a spot in the Regional Tournament in the fourth, gradually pulling away from the Lady Hawks to take the set 25-18.

Canton would make its way to Mesquite Horn High School Nov. 11, looking to pick up another trophy this season by squaring off against perennial power Argyle in the Regional Semifinals.

The Lady Chaparrals would do just enough to end Canton’s season, bouncing back from a slow first set to take a four-set win over the Eaglettes.

Canton easily set the pace in the opening frame, outplayingAubrey both offensively and defensively to take the set 25-20. Aubrey began battling back in the second, upping their defensive intensity to even the match with a 25-13 run.

The remainder of the match would play out in a similar fashion as the Lady Chaparrals took the third 25-14 and the fourth 2513 to complete the win and advance. Aubrey would subsequently sweep Celina in the Regional Finals the following afternoon to clinch a spot at the Class 4A State Tournament.

Players appearing in a Canton volleyball uniform for the final time in the Regional Tournament included: Maddie Wilson, Morgan Dunn, Emma Welty, Josie Krawietz and Airianna Pickens.

Looking back at the season, Coach Autumn Loyd credited the team’s senior class for setting a new standard. “The 2022 season was a phenomenal season for Canton volleyball. It’s amazing to see these girls chase that dream to accomplish program history. They worked hard day in and day out to achieve that goal. The seniors were a key component to the success we saw on the floor. All five seniors impacted the court emotionally and physically. Their leadership was by example and through encouragement. This group of seniors knew the expectation was high, therefore, they kept the team standards high. There were many moments after a tough set loss that I would hear a senior encouraging their teammates into the next set.

Loyd continued, “I also think much of the success this season came down to the family atmosphere. These girls are like sisters and that chemistry spreads onto the court. Overall, it’s a year as a coach I will never forget. I’m thankful for each of those girls and the time and dedication they have invested into the program. They have set the bar high and I cannot wait to see what the future of Canton volleyball holds.”

Canton wrapped its season with a 33-8 record overall, including a top-16 finish in the final 4A State Rankings.