Screaming Eagles Rally to Capture First Place at Flambeau Invite

The Chequamegon Screaming Eagles varsity volleyball team put together an impressive run Saturday, Sept. 12, battling back from an opening-match loss to win three straight matches and capture first place at the Flambeau Volleyball Invite.

Chequamegon opened the tournament against the Solon Springs Eagles and got off to a slow start, falling in a three-set match. Solon Springs took the opening set 25-15, but Chequamegon responded with a 25-23 victory in the second set. Solon Springs then claimed the deciding set 15-8.

After a break to regroup and refuel, the Screaming Eagles returned to the court for three consecutive matches—and didn't lose again.

Chequamegon first faced the Bayfield Trollers and earned its first victory of the day, winning 2-1. The Trollers took the opening set 25-14, but the Eagles rallied to win the second set 25-23 before closing out the match with a 15-9 victory in the third set.

The Screaming Eagles carried that momentum into their matchup with the Northwood Evergreens. Chequamegon won the first set 25-19 before Northwood answered with a 25-19 win of its own. The Eagles then settled the match in the third set, winning 15-9.

Chequamegon's final match came against tournament host Flambeau. The Falcons grabbed the first set 25-19, but once again the Screaming Eagles refused to let the early deficit stop them. Chequamegon rallied to win the second set 25-23 and completed the comeback with a 15-12 victory in the deciding set.

With three consecutive comeback victories, the Screaming Eagles finished the day in first place.

Several Chequamegon players turned in strong individual performances throughout the tournament. Kaydence McKuen led the Eagles with 29 kills and 19 digs, while Gretchen Eder added 20 kills and six blocks. Jalen Brunell finished with 66 assists and 11 kills, and Abby Brenholt was a defensive standout with 53 digs.

The tournament championship capped a strong day for the Screaming Eagles, who demonstrated their ability to respond after adversity and finish matches strong.

Chequamegon will look to carry that momentum into its next match Tuesday, Sept. 15, when the Eagles travel to Rib Lake. The junior varsity match is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., followed by the varsity match at 7 p.m.