Coach Autumn Loyd and the Canton Eaglette volleyball team made history last week, following up a district clinching win over Brownsboro by completing the program’s first-ever perfect run through district with a win over rival Van Oct. 24.

A fast start and strong finish by the Eaglettes would prove to be the difference in the matchup as Canton played spoiler on Van’s senior night.

Canton dominated the opening frame, outpacing Van 2517. The Lady Vandals showed plenty of grit, battling back in the second to even the match with a 25-20 run of their own.

The Eaglettes would ultimately regain their composure down the stretch, taking the third set 25-23 and the fourth set 25-19 to complete the victory and a perfect district campaign.

Final District 16-4A standings show Canton alone in first at 12-0, followed by Van at 9-3, Brownsboro and Lindale at 7-5 each, Mabank at 5-7, and Athens and Cumberland Academy at 1-11 each.

“With eight returners and strong new additions to the roster I truly believe this team could make it to the Regional Tournament,” said Coach Loyd .during the early stages of the 2022 season. “With the humbling end to last season we are not taking preseason, district, and postseason for granted.”

The Eaglettes were scheduled to take on Paris in the bi-district round of this year’s playoffs in a match that will be played at Commerce High School beginning at 8 p.m. Nov. 1. Canton, currently ranked fifth overall in the state according to the most recent Texas Girls Coaches Association Weekly 4A Rankings, will enter the playoffs with a 15-match winning streak dating back to Sept. 3. Other bi-district round matchups involving District 16-4A teams will include the Van Lady Vandals taking on Sulphur Springs, the Brownsboro Bearettes will be taking on Paris North Lamar and the Lindale Eagles will take on Texarkana Pleasant Grove.