The Newton Lady Eagles saw their outstanding 2026 volleyball season come to a close Tuesday night, falling to the Wesclin Warriors in the IHSA Sectional Semifinals at Vandalia.
Newton battled throughout the match but came up short in two sets, dropping the opener 25-17 before falling 25-23 in a closely contested second set. The loss brings the Lady Eagles’ season to an end with an impressive 34-4 record, capping off a remarkable year for the program.
The Lady Eagles entered the postseason as one of the area’s strongest teams, building an impressive record through hard work, determination and a tremendous amount of teamwork. Along the way, Newton captured the Little Illini Conference Championship and continued to demonstrate the talent and depth that made this group so special.
At the net, Stella Schackmann and Allie Hermann led Newton with five kills apiece, followed by Layla Thomann with four, Grace Schumacher with three, Claire Probst with two and Jossie Stanley with one.
Stanley led the team in assists with 14, while Schumacher added three and Hermann contributed one. Hermann paced the defensive effort with 18 digs. Stanley and Thomann each recorded seven, Maleah Miller added six, Schumacher had five, Probst finished with two and Schackmann added one.
From the service line, Stanley recorded two aces, while Miller, Hermann and Probst each added one. Probst also led the blocking effort with four blocks, while Hermann contributed one.
A Special Season and a Special Group
Head Coach Jill Kistner reflected on what made this year’s team so memorable and the accomplishments they achieved together.
“This team has been incredibly special, and I don’t think I can put into words how proud I am of everything they have accomplished this season. A 34-4 record and a conference championship are things these girls should be extremely proud of, but what makes this team so special goes far beyond the wins and losses. They have worked hard, believed in each other, supported one another and made this season so much fun. I’ve truly enjoyed coaching this group and watching them grow both as players and as young women.
“Our seniors have played such an important role in building this team and creating the atmosphere we have had all season. Their leadership, dedication and love for this program will be missed more than they know. It’s never easy to see a season come to an end, especially with a group like this, but I hope they look back on everything they accomplished and know how special they are. I am so proud of every single one of them, and I will miss this senior class tremendously.”
Newton’s graduating seniors include Ashtyn Ochs, Allie Hermann, Claire Probst, Ava Earnest, Grace Schumacher, Addy Schulte and Amy Shull.
While the final match wasn’t the ending the Lady Eagles had hoped for, it doesn’t diminish what this team accomplished throughout the season. With 34 victories, a conference championship and countless memories made along the way, the 2026 Lady Eagles have given their school and community plenty of reasons to be proud.
Congratulations to the players and coaching staff on an outstanding season!
