VIENNA — The week back from winter break has been a demanding one for the VHS Lady Eagles, marked by two losses that pushed the team into a brief skid while also revealing where growth is still taking shape. Vienna went 0-3 against Cuba, Iberia and Hermann, moving from a 5-4 record before Christmas to 5-7 as the calendar turns to mid-January.

The long away stretch began Jan 6, against Cuba where the Eagles fell 30-48. Leading the team was Ella Hollis who had a burst out game scoring 19 by herself with 4 free throws from the charity stripe. Following Hollis was Aubrey Schwartze with 7 points, a rarity in which she did not achieve double digit points. Alexis Curtis and Aspyn Gorman scored 2 points.    

The stretch continued Jan. 8 against an Iberia team that came in at 7-3 and built its identity around shooting. From the opening possessions, Iberia played at a pace that challenged Vienna’s ability to slow the game down, capitalizing on clean looks and momentum. Despite the 64-46 final, the Lady Eagles continued to fight through the night, leaning on discipline and effort even as Iberia’s shooting created separation.

“Our main goal is defense and controlling the tempo,” Vienna head coach KC Curler said.

That emphasis showed in spurts, particularly when Vienna was able to force trips to the free throw line and limit long runs. Aubrey Schwartze led the Lady Eagles with 18 points, six of them coming at the stripe, consistently attacking and keeping pressure on the defense. Ella Hollis followed with 16 points, providing steady scoring as Vienna tried to stay within reach. Alexis Curtis added three points, while Delaney Schwartze, Liberty Rowden and Scarlett Weeks each scored three as well, rounding out the scoring on a night where Iberia’s perimeter success ultimately proved decisive.

Vienna returned to the floor Jan. 12 against Hermann and delivered a performance that looked much different on the scoreboard and in feel. The game unfolded as a nailbiter, with neither team able to pull away comfortably. The Lady Eagles matched Hermann’s intensity possession by possession, keeping the outcome in doubt deep into the second half before falling 53-45.

Once again, Aubrey Schwartze set the tone, finishing with a game-high 21 points. Her impact was immediate, as she went to the free throw line repeatedly in the first quarter, knocking down six foul shots and establishing an aggressive mindset that carried throughout the game. Freshman Alexis Curtis continued to show growth, scoring eight points and handling the pressure of a close contest with confidence. Macie Rowden added six points, while co-captain Ella Hollis had what could be described as her only off night of the season, finishing with four points after regularly producing double-digit outings and multiple double-doubles earlier in the year. Scarlett Weeks and Delaney Schwartze each contributed two points as Vienna searched for timely baskets late.

Though the losses have been frustrating, particularly coming out of the break, the Hermann game offered a glimpse of what this team can be when tempo and defensive focus align. Against Iberia’s shooting and Hermann’s discipline, Vienna showed resilience, leadership and flashes of execution that do not always appear in the final score.

With the season still very much in front of them, the Lady Eagles now turn toward regrouping and refining the details that can turn close games and tough matchups into wins. The record may reflect a challenging stretch, but the response in the coming weeks will define how Vienna’s season ultimately unfolds. There next game is on Jan 14, against a 1-7 New Bloomfield.