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Vincennes University

Trailblazers Battle Tough in Road Loss at Mineral Area

Trailblazers Battle Tough in Road Loss at Mineral Area
Box Score
November 4, 2025

PARK HILLS, Mo. — The Vincennes University Women's Basketball team put together a competitive effort on the road Tuesday night, but a difficult second quarter proved costly as the Trailblazers fell to Mineral Area College, 70–63, inside the Bob Sechrest Field House. The loss evens the Trailblazers' record at 1–1 overall, following Saturday's commanding season-opening win over Owens Community College.

Vincennes started strong, jumping out to a 12–8 lead after one quarter, but Mineral Area answered with a huge second frame, outscoring the Blazers 33–15 to build a cushion that held despite a late Vincennes surge. The Trailblazers clawed back with a determined effort after halftime, outscoring MAC 36–29 over the final two periods and cutting the deficit to single digits down the stretch before time ran out.

Head coach Nyla Johnson was proud of her team's composure and fight against a nationally respected opponent, while pointing out the importance of finishing opportunities at the rim. "To go into an environment like that against a really good team, I was proud of the way our group battled," Johnson said. "We had a decent start, and even when they went on runs, we did a good job battling back. The most obvious thing is we've got to make layups — we've got to be tough around the rim and finish. That's been a problem for two games, and we need to get that cleaned up immediately."

Sophomore center Dženifera Rieksta anchored the Vincennes attack with 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting, adding seven rebounds and a block in a standout performance inside. "I thought Džena was really great for us — just a stabilizing force inside and somebody we could count on," Johnson said. "It's great to see her game continuing to get better and better."

Sophomore guard Netala Dixon added 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting, along with six rebounds and four assists, while Zion Hayes contributed six points, a team-high nine rebounds, and three assists. Freshman Selena Wilson knocked down two three-pointers en route to eight points and five rebounds, while Taliya Heron and Emani Washington each chipped in seven points, combining for 10 rebounds off the bench.

Johnson continued to highlight the growth of her younger players, especially in road settings early in the season. "I'm proud of our freshmen — I think they're right on task," Johnson said. "Selena made some key rebounds and played really important minutes. It's exciting to see her progressing the way she is."

VU shot 41.0 percent from the field while holding Mineral Area to 35.2 percent, but the Cardinals made the difference at the free-throw line, converting 14-of-18 (77.8%) compared to VU's 9-of-21 (42.9%). The Cardinals also capitalized on 18 points off turnovers and 16 second-chance points to extend possessions.

"Of course I'm upset about the loss," Johnson said. "But I also know it's a learning lesson. Playing a team that good this early is critical for our development. We just have to go back to the drawing board, turn the page quickly, and get ready for the next one."

VU will have that opportunity soon as the Trailblazers continue their early-season road swing, traveling to Chicago to face Richard Daley College on Thursday, November 7, with tip-off set for 6:30 p.m. ET. "We've got two more games this week," Johnson added. "We just have to keep improving, stay focused on our habits, and keep building on the positives we've shown so far."

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