VIENNA — The Vienna Lady Eagles closed the 2025-26 season with heart, fight and a future that remains bright. Vienna finished 16-11 overall, earning the No. 3 seed in district play under Head Coach KC Curler. A year ago, the Lady Eagles finished 15-11. Different roster, same standard.

Vienna opened districts with a win over Plato on Feb. 23 to advance to the second round. Waiting there was No. 2 seed, the Iberia Lady Rangers, a team that had defeated Vienna by 18 points back on Jan. 8, but this time something was different.

The Lady Eagles came out fearless.

A beautiful mid-range jumper from Delaney Schwartze capped a 14-2 first quarter lead. Vienna dictated pace early, controlled the glass and forced Iberia into uncomfortable possessions. The second quarter tightened. Only one Lady Eagle found the scoring column,  junior guard Ella Hollis, who poured in six points to help Vienna carry a 20-17 lead into halftime.

The game turned into a battle in the second half. With one minute left in regulation, Vienna trailed 43-37 but still had a chance. The Lady Eagles never quit. In the closing moments, senior Aubrey Schwartze was called for a foul going for a steal and was fouled out. As she exited the floor, every Vienna fan, cheerleader and parent rose to their feet. The applause was not just for the night, it was for a career.

Vienna fell 47-37, but the fight was undeniable.

Delaney Schwartze finished with four points, Hollis scored 10, Scarlett Weeks knocked down three shots from beyond the arc for 11 points, Alexis Curtis added two and Aubrey Schwartze scored 10 in her final game.

Schwartze closes her career as a four-time Show-Me-Central All-Conference First Team selection and Vienna’s all-time leading rebounder for the Lady Eagles. Her impact on the program extends far beyond numbers with her Leadership, consistency and competitive fire. As she walked off the court, she undoubtedly left as one of the most accomplished athletes to ever represent Vienna.

While the program says goodbye to one senior, the rest of the roster returns, starting with the sole junior.

Ella Hollis earned herself Show-Me-Central All-Conference Second Team honors during her 25-26 season. She will enter her senior year as the team’s primary leader on the court. Also a softball co-captain, Hollis continues to establish herself as one of Vienna’s top all-around athletes.

Including Hollis, The future depth of the program is striking. Of the eight players on the district roster in Richland: Delaney Schwartze, Aspyn Gorman, Macie Rowden, Liberty Rowden, Scarlett Weeks, Alexis Curtis, Ella Hollis and Aubrey Schwartze, seven will return next season.

Four of them are freshmen.

Scarlett Weeks emerged as a legitimate scoring threat as the season progressed. The freshman guard grew more confident by the week and looks poised to become one of Vienna’s primary options next season.

Liberty Rowden, another freshman and an ace on the softball team, brings athleticism that translates across sports and a jumpshot that defenders will have to look out for next winter.

Inside, Alexis Curtis and Macie Rowden logged their first varsity minutes this season. Both freshmen showed steady improvement down low and will benefit from a full offseason preparing for expanded responsibilities as they will have to take on more expansive roles filling the role of rebounding at a higher level.

The sophomore class returns key pieces as well.

Delaney Schwartze cemented herself as one of the team’s top guards. She is unafraid to shoot, capable from long range and confident in big moments.

Aspyn Gorman continues to grow into her role as a post presence, improving her rebounding motor while showing more willingness to score.

While the 2025-26 season may have ended in the district semifinals, the standard remains intact. With experience returning across every grade, the formula is clear for the program. One senior departs and seven will return including four freshmen, two sophomores and one All-Conference junior.