Future looks bright for Spooner Rails volleyball

ALTOONA — On Saturday, May 11, the eighth-grade Spooner-Black volleyball team earned their way into the First Tier Tournament for the Wisconsin Independent Volleyball League (WIVL) by going undefeated this spring season.

The Rails competed in tournaments this spring hosted by Eau Claire, Rice Lake and Spooner, and went 3-0 at each of them without dropping a single game. Going into this weekend’s tournament the Rails were the overall No. 3 seed in a field of 52 teams.

The league championship was hosted by Altoona this year. The Rails went 2-1 in pool play, losing a tough match to Luther-White and defeating Alma Center-Lincoln and New Richmond Fire. This landed them in the bracket for playoffs.

In the first round, the Rails defeated the Altoona Acers 25-21 and 25-21. In the semi-final round the Rails drew the undefeated on the season Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau-Red. The Rails dropped the first game 13-25 but battled back to win 25-17 and 15-6 to earn a spot in the championship.

In the championship match, the Rails faced a defensively sound team and overall No. 2 seed from Edgar. Edgar proved to be the superior team, defeating the Rails 28-26 and 25-12.

The Rails had an incredible season and came home with a second-place trophy and silver medals. We are so proud of their efforts as student athletes and cannot wait to see what the future holds for Spooner Rails volleyball!