The Newton Lady Eagles continued their outstanding 2026 season Thursday night, earning a hard-fought victory over Salem to claim the Regional Championship and improve their season record to an impressive 34-3.
Newton defeated Salem in straight sets, taking the opening set 25-20 before closing out the championship with a 25-16 victory in the second set.
The Lady Eagles were led offensively by Allie Hermann, who recorded 10 kills, followed by Layla Thomann with six and Claire Probst with four. Stella Schackmann and Grace Schumacher each added two kills.
Jossie Stanley paced the Newton offense with 18 assists, while Thomann contributed two. Hermann and Probst each added an assist.
Defensively, Hermann led the team with seven digs. Schumacher followed with five, while Stanley, Thomann and Probst each recorded four. Schackmann and Maleah Miller added a dig apiece.
At the service line, Miller, Hermann and Thomann each recorded an ace. Schackmann led the blocking effort with two blocks, while Stanley, Thomann and Schumacher each added one.
Head Coach Jill Kistner has plenty of reasons to be proud of this group, and the Regional Championship is another milestone in a season filled with hard work, determination and team success.
“I am incredibly proud of this team. They have worked so hard for moments like this, and what makes this group so special is the way they genuinely enjoy playing together. They compete for one another, they support one another, and they never stop believing in what they can accomplish. Winning a Regional Championship is something they have earned, and I couldn’t be happier for this group. I absolutely love coaching these girls, and I’m not ready for this ride to end!”
With the Regional Championship secured, Newton now turns its attention to the next challenge as the Lady Eagles advance to the Sectional at Vandalia.
Newton will face Wesclin on Tuesday, November 3, with the match scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
At 34-3, the Lady Eagles have established themselves as one of the area’s strongest teams, and their postseason journey continues with another opportunity to make Newton proud.
Congratulations to Head Coach Jill Kistner, her coaching staff and the entire Lady Eagles volleyball team on becoming REGIONAL CHAMPIONS!
