VIENNA — In a rare twist, the Vienna Lady Eagles followed nearly the same path as the varsity boys last week, facing identical opponents and finishing with the same 2-1 record. Wins over Bunceton and Tuscumbia highlighted the week, while a conference loss to St. Elizabeth reminded the team of the challenges ahead as the postseason approaches.

Vienna Lady Eagles opened the week Feb. 9 with a commanding 64-26 victory over Bunceton. From the opening tip, the team set the tone with aggressive defense and quick transitions, forcing turnovers and converting them into easy baskets. Balanced scoring allowed multiple players to find their rhythm. Aubrey Schwartze led the team with 17 points, Scarlett Weeks closely followed with 14  and Ella Hollis added 13 to the total. Delaney Schwartze scored three points, Alexis Curtis scored nine and Aspyn Gorman earned herself five points. All team members contributed on both ends of the floor, giving Vienna the depth to share minutes without losing momentum.

Coach KC Curler said games like these are valuable for keeping the entire roster engaged.

“The regular season has shown us that we are capable and that we have to stay disciplined and keep continuing to work together as a team,” Curler said. “Because really, when you go to districts, it’s 0-0 on the scoreboard.”

The Lady Eagles carried that confidence into Feb. 10 with a 60-27 victory over Tuscumbia. Vienna maintained control for all four quarters, with several players stepping up offensively. Aubrey Schwartze led the team with 23 points, Ella Hollis added 17, and Liberty Rowden scored 11. Alexis Curtis scored two points, Macie Rowden scored three points and Aspyn Gorman scored four points.

The week concluded Feb. 13 with a challenging matchup against St. Elizabeth, one of the top teams in the conference. The Lady Eagles fell behind early, trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half. But Vienna refused to fold. After halftime, the team went on a determined run to tie the game at 30 going into the fourth quarter, fueled by Weeks’ three-point shooting and key offensive rebounds from Aubrey Schwartze and Macie Rowden.

Weeks said her recent visit to a Mizzou women’s basketball game this week, helped her sharpen her focus for the week’s contests. Weeks also said her favorite player to watch is Grace Slaughter.

Despite their best efforts, St. Elizabeth adjusted offensively in the final quarter, moving the ball more and finding opportunities inside. Vienna displayed poise and competitiveness throughout, showing flashes of dominance and cohesion even against a tough opponent. Delaney Schwartze and Weeks each finished with 10 points, Ella Hollis added six, Macie Rowden scored three, Alexis Curtis had four, and Aubrey Schwartze contributed two points in the hard-fought 47-32 loss.

Curler remained vocal on the sidelines throughout, urging her players to pursue every rebound and maintain focus.

“Go for everything,” she could be heard yelling from the sidelines.

While the loss served as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead, the Lady Eagles can take confidence from the two wins earlier in the week and the way the team responded in stretches against St. Elizabeth.

The mirrored schedule with the boys’ varsity team highlights a unique consistency across Vienna’s programs and shows that both squads are building momentum at the right time.

Vienna now turns its attention to a pair of home contests, hosting Crocker on Feb. 17 and hosting Belle on Feb. 19, which is always a classic.