In the last 11 seasons, including this one, Newton has either won or shared the Little Illini Conference volleyball championship 10 times. They stand 6-0 this year, with one league game remaining on Thursday. The Lady Eagles already own wins over the only two teams who have a shot at sharing the crown: Lawrenceville and Marshall. So, that puts the spotlight directly on Paris – the only team that separates Jill Kistner’s team from its’ seventh undisputed LIC title during that run.

Thursday night, 7th-ranked (Class 2A) Newton (6-0 in LIC play, 30-3 overall) has a chance to celebrate at home when it hosts Paris (3-3, 26-7). The Lady Eagles had a 12-game winning streak (their second-longest of the season after a season-opening 15-game streak) snapped in a 2-1 loss to Effingham (19-14) on Saturday during play in the Linda Oxby Tournament at Edwards County. They did bounce back with tourney wins over Lawrenceville (non-conference meeting) and southern Illinois toughie Norris City-Omaha-Enfield (28-5).

The aforementioned teams tied for second place in the league – Lawrenceville (5-1, 26-7) and Marshall (5-1, 19-8) – also play to break that tie on Thursday at Lawrenceville. The other league game scheduled on the final night puts Olney (1-5, 12-20) at Casey-Westfield (3-3. 18-14). Defending co-champ Mt. Carmel (1-6, 7-20) and Robinson (1-6, 13-16) have already completed their league seasons.

This is the final week of the regular season. IHSA state tournament play begins next week with Regional play scattered around the state.