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Vincennes University

Trailblazers Sweep Weekend Slate with Wins Over Ranked Competition

Trailblazers Sweep Weekend Slate with Wins Over Ranked Competition
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February 21, 2026

VINCENNES, Ind. — Vincennes University Baseball delivered its strongest stretch of the young season over the weekend at Jerry Blemker Field, earning three consecutive victories against quality opposition, including wins over a Joliet Junior College squad receiving votes in the NJCAA Division III poll as well as NJCAA Division II No. 15 Parkland College before closing with a victory over Morton College. The Trailblazers improved to 5-6 overall while showcasing timely offense, depth on the mound, and resilience against nationally recognized competition.

Game One — Vincennes 6, NJCAA DIII #RV Joliet Junior College 5

VU opened Friday with a 6–5 victory over Joliet Junior College, using consistent early offense and strong pitching down the stretch to hold off a late rally.

Sophomore Eastin Whaley earned the win, working 5.2 innings while allowing four runs on three hits and striking out eight. Freshman Drake Hoffa secured the save, striking out three across 1.1 innings of relief.

The Trailblazers scored in four consecutive innings early, plating runs in the first, second, and third before adding two more in the fourth and another in the fifth. Freshman Tannar Patterson led the offense with two hits and two runs scored. Freshman Ethan Papalios went 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs, while sophomore Jevan Andrews added two hits and drove in two runs. Freshman Carson Reed contributed an RBI as VU totaled seven hits and six walks.

Joliet mounted pressure late with five runs across the final three innings, but Hoffa closed the door to secure the victory.

Game Two — Vincennes 11, NJCAA DII #15 Parkland College 10

Facing nationally ranked NJCAA Division II No. 15 Parkland College in the nightcap Friday, the Trailblazers delivered another statement performance, outlasting the Cobras 11–10 in a high-scoring battle.

VU jumped ahead early with a five-run first inning and continued to respond each time Parkland threatened. Freshman Ethan Papalios scored three runs and drove in one, while freshman Grady Hartman recorded two hits and an RBI. Sophomore Jevan Andrews paced the offense with two hits and three RBIs.

Sophomore Evan Doran delivered the biggest swing of the game with a home run and finished with four RBIs. Freshman Kash Chiles added an RBI hit, and freshman Matthew Everroad drove in a run as VU combined nine hits with 11 walks.

Freshman Talan Meyers started and allowed eight runs — four earned — over 4.1 innings while striking out six. Freshman Jacob Tenbarge and sophomore Grayson Reichert bridged the middle innings before freshman Elijah Papalios tossed a scoreless inning with two strikeouts to earn the win.

Despite multiple Parkland rallies, the Trailblazers bullpen limited further damage to secure the upset victory.

Game Three — Vincennes 6, Morton College 4

VU completed the undefeated weekend Saturday with a 6–4 victory over Morton College behind another strong pitching performance.

Sophomore Jacob Allen earned his second win of the season, working 6.2 innings while allowing four runs on seven hits. Freshman Braeden Burton followed with 2.1 scoreless innings in relief to earn his first collegiate save.

"It was a really nice win coming off an emotional game against a ranked Parkland team," said head coach Chris Barney in his 18th season. "Jacob gave us another quality start, and Braeden did a great job finishing the last 2.1 innings to earn his first collegiate save."

Morton scored in each of the first two innings before the Trailblazers responded with two runs in the third to tie the game. Freshman Ethan Papalios continued his productive weekend with two hits and two RBIs, including a run-scoring double that evened the score early. Freshman Grady Hartman later drove in a run, and freshman Matthew Everroad added an RBI as Vincennes pulled ahead with a three-run sixth inning.

Freshman Carson Reed doubled to spark another scoring opportunity before freshman Kash Chiles advanced into scoring position and Papalios delivered again with a sacrifice fly to extend the lead.

"We executed offensively when it mattered," Barney added. "We manufactured runs early and then came through with timely RBIs late to finish the game."

Despite committing two defensive errors, the Trailblazers limited Morton's opportunities late as Burton closed out the final frames. "Winning three straight, especially after beating a ranked Parkland team, shows the progress this group is making," Barney said.

VU will next make the short drive just down the road Tuesday, February 24, for a single game at Wabash Valley College. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST.

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