Escanaba advances to the district fina to face Kingsford for the district title.

Eskymos head coach Beverly Ziebell praised her team’s compete level, particularly their ability to adapt to Negaunee’s game plan.

“Our front line had to close the gaps and just transition to their tips, and we had one of our main starters on time, so everyone stepped up and did a great job,” she said. “We’re just elated.”

The Eskymos jumped to an early lead, capitalizing on errors by Negaunee to build a 9-4 advantage in the opening set.

The Negaunee High School volleyball team, led by head coach Krista Squiers smiling at center right, congregate after the first set of their MHSAA Division 2 district tournament match against Escanaba at the Lakeview Memorial Gymnasium in Negaunee on Wednesday. (Journal photo by Caden Sierra)

But the Miners regrouped, chipping away at Escanaba’s lead with steady offensive play. Standout hitter Maddie Beaudry sparked the comeback with a key point to bring the score to 11-9, and from there, Negaunee clawed its way to a 13-13 tie, forcing Escanaba into a timeout.

As the teams traded points, the Eskymos reached 20 points first, with Brooklyn Beauchamp and Grayson LaMarche leading a strong frontline attack. But Negaunee rallied late, tying it 24-24 and pushing into extra points. Finally, Madison Pekrul delivered the decisive serve, sealing the first set for Negaunee 29-27.

Escanaba responded with intensity in the second set, bolting to a 6-1 lead and putting Negaunee on the defensive. Pekrul again proved instrumental, helping the Miners pull even at 9-9, but the Eskymos’ consistency allowed them to reclaim control. With precise setting and powerful spikes from LaMarche and Ava Stalboerger, Escanaba edged ahead 19-17, prompting a Negaunee timeout.

EHS’ front line maintained its strength with LaMarche’s powerful spike pushing the Eskymos to 23 points. Although Negaunee fought back with a pair of points to reach 22, an overhit by Delaney Gladwell secured the set for Escanaba, 25-22, leveling the match 1-1.

Building off that momentum, Escanaba opened the third set with intensity, battling back from an early 5-2 deficit to take a 10-7 lead. The Eskymos’ front line, particularly Clara Braun and Stalboerger, found their rhythm, creating challenges for Negaunee’s defense.

Players on the court for Escanaba celebrate late in the  fourth set as they inch closer to winning their match against Negaunee during their MHSAA Division 2 district tournament match played at the Lakeview Memorial Gymnasium in Negaunee on Wednesday,. (Journal photo by Caden Sierra)

After a timeout at 15-9, the Miners seemed to regain composure, with Gladwell delivering a strong serve to bring the score to 16-11. But Escanaba’s depth continued to shine as it reached 20 points first for the third straight set.

Despite a late push by Negaunee, Escanaba secured the third set, 25-19, moving to a 2-1 lead.

In the fourth set, the Eskymos’ resolve and depth showed, as they pulled ahead 10-4 and continued to extend their lead. Escanaba’s front line, featuring a solid block by Beauchamp and Braun, shut down Negaunee’s offense repeatedly, giving the Eskymos a commanding 20-5 lead.

Although the Miners mounted a brief rally to reach 10, LaMarche’s powerful spike secured Escanaba’s 24th point, and a final error by Negaunee handed Escanaba the set 25-12.

Caden Sierra can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 551, or by email at csierra@nmu.edu.