The Canton Eaglette volleyball program put the finishing touches on non-district play last week, taking the court against both Kaufman and Palestine in tune-up matches. Canton would prevail in both, running their overall season record to 18-7 as they hit the most important stretch of the year.

Canton began its week on the road in Kaufman Sept. 6, cruising from start to finish in a three-set sweep of the Lady Lions.

The Eaglettes would set the tone early, taking the opening set 25-18. Kaufman would up its game in the second set, but Canton would hold firm to take the frame 25-23. Any chance of a Kaufman comeback were put to rest easily in the third as the Eaglettes cruised 25-14 to complete the sweep.

Eaglette coaches credited Airianna Pickens with 12 kills against the Lady Lions while Morgan Dunn posted 11 kills and 10 digs, and Jaycee Bullard added nine digs.

The Eaglettes continued their strong play three nights later in Palestine, gradually playing better in each set on their way to a three-set sweep of the Wildcats.

Canton took the opening frame 25-21 and the second set 25-18 to move Palestine to the brink of defeat. The Eaglettes managed to close the night with a dominating 25-9 run to pick up their eighth win in nine matches.

Canton, currently ranked 18th overall in the most recent Texas Girls Coaches Association Weekly 4A Poll, was scheduled to open up district play at home against the 12-15 Lindale Eagles before hosting the Mabank Lady Panthers Sept. 16.

Other upcoming district matchups will include trips to Athens Sept. 20 and Cumberland Academy Sept. 23.

Mothers of Canton volleyball players continued an Eaglette tradition this week, decorating the team’s locker room ahead of the district opener against Lindale Sept. 16.

Courtesy photos