The Newton High School tennis team celebrated a successful 2026 season while recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of its players during the team’s end-of-season awards presentation.
The Eagles finished the season with an impressive 12-4 team record, with 13 players contributing to a season that saw the varsity team record 98 match victories.
Newton earned wins over Fairfield twice, Olney, Mount Carmel, Charleston, Casey twice, Vandalia, Carmi, Flora, Robinson and Centralia. The team’s four losses came against Salem, St. Anthony, Effingham and Paris.
Several players earned recognition for their individual accomplishments throughout the season.
At the junior varsity level, Emma Meinhart and Annalea received first-year numerals, while Emily, Breanna and Jasmine earned second-year athletic patches and pullovers.
On the varsity team, sophomore Riley finished with a 9-8 record, including two singles and seven doubles victories. Sophomore Lexi posted a 10-10 record, with three singles and seven doubles wins.
Senior Emma Walker finished with a 10-11 record, recording seven singles and three doubles victories. Senior Jordyn Kocher also had a strong season, finishing 11-11 with eight singles and three doubles wins.
Sophomore Jenna Hall turned in an outstanding season, posting a 28-8 record with 14 singles and 14 doubles victories. She was recognized with three stars and two additional accomplishments.
Junior Scarlett Collins finished 23-18, earning 14 singles and nine doubles victories. Junior Beth Brocious recorded 17-25, with eight singles and nine doubles wins.
Leading the Eagles was junior Olivia Sornberger, who put together an exceptional season playing No. 1 singles and No. 2 doubles. Sornberger finished with an impressive 40-6 record, including 26 singles and 14 doubles victories. She also earned recognition for reaching the 100-win milestone.
Newton’s players also represented the team well in tournament and conference competition.
At the Centralia tournament, Newton’s singles representatives were Olivia and Lexi, while Scarlett Collins and Beth Brocious, along with Emma Walker and Jordyn Kocher, competed in doubles.
At the Little Illini Conference and sectional competitions, Olivia and Jenna represented Newton in singles, while Scarlett and Beth and Emma and Jordyn competed in doubles.
The Eagles celebrated another major accomplishment as Little Illini Conference Champions.
Sornberger earned the Singles Champion and All-Conference First Team honors, receiving a plaque for her accomplishment. The doubles team of Collins and Brocious received Honorable Mention recognition.
At the sectional team competition, Newton finished tied for third place, with Sornberger earning second place individually. Her performance also earned her a trip to the state tournament, making her a state qualifier and earning her a state patch.
The awards presentation also included recognition of the team’s seniors, Jordyn Kocher and Emma Walker, along with their parents, in appreciation of their contributions to the Newton tennis program.
With conference championships, individual honors, a state qualifier and numerous personal milestones, the 2026 season provided plenty for the Eagles to celebrate. The team’s 12-4 record and 98 varsity match victories reflect the dedication and hard work of the players throughout the season.
Congratulations to the Newton Eagles tennis team on an outstanding 2026 season!
