** Editor’s Note: Not pictured in the team photo taken later in the evening is Jordyn Kocher and Emma Walker who also played doubles in the tournament!
The Newton High School girls tennis team finished atop the Little Illini Conference standings for 2026, edging Paris by half a point to claim the conference championship.
Newton finished with 18.5 points, narrowly ahead of Paris, which scored 18 points. Robinson placed third with 15.5 points, followed by Mount Carmel with 14 points, Olney with 11 points and Casey with five points.
Newton’s championship effort was highlighted by strong performances in both singles and doubles competition.
In singles, Newton’s Sonrberger captured the tournament championship, defeating the field to finish first. Hall, also representing Newton, competed in the tournament bracket.
In doubles, Newton’s Collins and Broscious advanced through the bracket to earn a fourth-place finish. The doubles championship went to Earnest and Peach of Mount Carmel, while Weidner and Biyok of Olney placed third.
The close conference race came down to the final point totals, with Newton finishing just one-half point ahead of Paris to secure the top spot.
The 2026 conference standings were:
- Newton — 18.5 points
- Paris — 18 points
- Robinson — 15.5 points
- Mount Carmel — 14 points
- Olney — 11 points
- Casey — 5 points
Newton’s narrow victory over Paris capped a successful conference tournament and placed the Eagles at the top of the Little Illini Conference girls tennis standings for 2026.
