The Newton Community High School volleyball team showed grit and depth over the weekend at the Olney Tournament, fighting through a tough pool before rallying to claim the Bronze bracket championship.
The Eagles opened with two close three-set battles, falling to Fairfield (27-25, 23-25, 11-15) and Tolono Unity (25-22, 19-25, 10-15). Refusing to back down, Newton roared back in bracket play, sweeping Hutsonville/Palestine (25-13, 25-18), Olney B (25-16, 25-15), and Olney A (25-19, 25-20).
Senior middle hitter Isabel “Izzy” Meinhart capped the weekend with an All-Tournament Team selection, a reflection of her all-around play on both offense and defense.
Newton’s stat sheet revealed contributions from every corner of the roster:
- Aces: Hydi Bierman powered the service line with 13, while Stella Schackmann and Allie Hermann added five each.
- Kills: Bierman also led the attack with 30 kills, Hermann tallied 23, and Claire Probst put down 22.
- Assists: Meinhart distributed 39 assists, with Amy Shull adding 32 in the setting rotation.
- Defense: Libero Morgan Schafer anchored the back row with 38 digs, followed closely by Bierman (36) and Hermann (27).
- Blocks: Joslynn Pitcher led at the net with five blocks, and Bierman added four.
With the 3-2 showing, Newton improved its season record to 6-5 and gained valuable momentum heading into the next stretch of matches.
2025 Newton Eagles Varsity Roster
- #1 Stella Schackmann, So., RS, 5’8
- #3 Hydi Bierman, Sr., OH, 5’9
- #4 Maleah Miller, So., S, 5’5
- #6 Morgan Schafer, Sr., L, 5’3
- #7 Isabel Meinhart, Sr., M, 5’10
- #9 Allie Hermann, Jr., OH, 5’11
- #10 Grace Schumacher, Jr., OH, 5’7
- #11 Claire Probst, Jr., M, 5’10
- #12 Ava Earnest, Jr., RS, 5’6
- #13 Kenzie Holder, Sr., DS, 5’3
- #14 Addy Schulte, Jr., DS, 5’5
- #16 Joslynn Pitcher, Sr., M, 5’9
- #19 Amy Shull, Jr., S, 5’6
- #20 Ashtyn Ochs, Jr., OH, 5’6
- #21 Emma Brooks, So., S, 5’8
Head Coach: Jill Kistner
Assistant Coaches: Becca Ochs, Grace Hartrich
