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Vincennes University

Trailblazers Push No. 3 Three Rivers to the Wire

Trailblazers Push No. 3 Three Rivers to the Wire
Box Score
November 22, 2025

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — The Vincennes University Women's Basketball team delivered one of its toughest and most complete performances of the season Saturday afternoon, going blow-for-blow with an undefeated NJCAA No. 3 Three Rivers College before narrowly falling 63–58 in a competitive road matchup. The Trailblazers — now 4–2 overall and receiving votes in the NJCAA Division I National Poll — showed poise, balance, and maturity in a game that remained tightly contested from start to finish.

VU opened strong, winning the first quarter 18–14, and carried that composure into the second period, taking a 32–31 halftime lead on the road. The Trailblazers continued to execute after the break, answering each Three Rivers surge and heading into the fourth quarter with a 46–44 advantage. With the game remaining within one or two possessions for much of the fourth quarter, Three Rivers finally created enough separation in the closing minute to escape.

First-year Head Coach Nyla Johnson praised her team's composure in the high-pressure environment. "Our kids did a really good job executing the game plan and didn't get rattled when Three Rivers hit some shots we actually forced them into," Johnson said. "They made big-time plays in big-time situations, but I was proud of our group for responding every time. We made timely shots, and I thought this was one of our better games in terms of knocking down open looks — something we had been focused on all week."

The Trailblazers' offense was fueled by sophomore forward Iris Comesaña-Varela, who came off the bench and delivered a breakout performance with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three, providing momentum-shifting plays throughout the game. Sophomore Emani Washington added 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting to go with three assists, continuing her steady production.

Sophomore Netala Dixon, playing heavy minutes in the backcourt, once again delivered a strong all-around effort with 12 points and six rebounds in 37 minutes, giving VU toughness and steadiness on both ends of the floor. Sophomore Dženifera Rieksta, returning to the lineup after missing the previous game, added eight points and six rebounds in 23 minutes to provide a key interior presence, and sophomore Zion Hayes contributed six points, five assists, and six rebounds in another balanced performance for the sophomore guard.

Johnson highlighted the leadership of her sophomore group and the continued growth of her young roster. "Once again, our sophomores stepped up in a big way," she said. "They helped our freshmen through some rough patches of a nationally ranked game, and that leadership showed. This environment was fun — it's what you want your kids to experience — and I hope it builds confidence for us moving forward."

Vincennes shot a sharp 45.7 percent, including an elite 10-of-16 (62.5%) from three, with 16 assists on 21 made field goals, while holding the Raiders to 36.4 percent shooting overall. However, the difference in the game came in the turnover margin, where the Trailblazers' 19 turnovers proved costly against a disciplined Three Rivers team that committed just nine.

Johnson emphasized that while the loss was disappointing, the overall performance reinforced the team's upward trajectory. "We're working very diligently to clean up our mistakes, but that takes time and playing together," Johnson said. "Every time we challenge ourselves against teams on the national stage, our kids step up in a big way. I'm really proud of them. Now it's back to the drawing board, and we'll focus on going 1–0 next week."

Vincennes will remain on the road for one more contest before the holiday break, traveling to Volunteer State Community College on Tuesday, November 25, at 6:30 p.m. ET.

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