Van Buren Dominates Copper Basin in Region 2A Semifinals
One expects to see even tougher competition at the regional tournament level, but such was not the case as the District 3A Champion Van Buren County Eaglettes totally dominated the District 4A runner-up Copper Basin Cougars Monday evening, winning 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-12).
Even more shocking was the manner in which the Eaglettes cruised to victory. After Copper Basin failed to score on their first serve, Van Buren’s Emma Scoggins stepped up and served 14 straight points for the Eaglettes as they took a 15-0 lead. At this point, the match was clearly over, but three sets were required to “officially” seal the victory. Van Buren built a 21-8 lead in the set before allowing Copper Basin to see a little daylight. The Eaglettes closed out with a 25-13 victory in the set.
Van Buren’s Gabrianna Young, District 3A Tournament MVP, got the Eaglettes rolling in the second set. With the score tied 1-1, Young served six straight points, including two aces, to put Van Buren ahead 7-1. Young later served two additional aces to give Van Buren a 19-10 lead. With the Eaglettes ahead 20-11, Riley Scoggins served out the set, scoring two aces, to give Van Buren a 25-11 win in the set.
Copper Basin appeared to show some life in the third set and led 3-2 when Young came up to serve for the Eaglettes. Young once again served six straight points to put Van Buren ahead 8-3. From that point, Van Buren continued to build its lead, closing out the set 25-12.
The dominating victory for Van Buren moves the Eaglettes into the Region 2A championship round where they will face Meigs County Tuesday evening at 6 pm. The victory also assures Van Buren of sectional play on Thursday.