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Vincennes University

Trailblazers Roll in Home Return

Trailblazers Roll in Home Return
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December 2, 2025

VINCENNES, Ind. — The Vincennes University Women's Basketball team made the most of its long-awaited return to the P.E. Complex on Tuesday night, delivering a wire-to-wire 99–46 victory over Lewis & Clark Community College in just their second home game of the season. The win lifts the Trailblazers to 5–3 overall heading into another home test in less than 24 hours.

VU set the tone immediately, storming ahead 27–16 after the first quarter and stretching the margin to 46–29 at halftime. The Trailblazers continued to control every phase of the game, outscoring Lewis & Clark 25–7 in the third quarter and 28–10 in the fourth to close out their highest scoring performance of the season.

Sophomore guard Zion Hayes anchored the offensive attack with a standout 25-point performance on an ultra-efficient 11-of-17 shooting, adding 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. First-year Head Coach Nyla Johnson praised Hayes' response after what she described as a brief shooting slump. "Zion's just a worker," Johnson said. "She had been having a little bit of a spell the last few games, but we kept reminding her that she's doing so many good things. Tonight she was able to take advantage of her opportunities and capitalized on them."

Sophomore forward Dženifera Rieksta followed with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting, providing steady scoring inside. Freshman guard Aniya Lawrence delivered one of her best all-around performances with 13 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while freshman forward Meredith Mitchell came off the bench to supply 11 points and four rebounds.

VU's depth again proved to be a major asset, with 11 different players scoring and the team finishing with 23 assists on 42 made field goals. Johnson emphasized how the Trailblazers' unselfish style fuels their offensive rhythm. "The best thing about our team is the best player is the open player — we say that all the time," Johnson said. "We have a group that loves to compete and loves to win, and they don't care who gets the credit."

VU's defense set the tone and generated offense all night, holding Lewis & Clark to 26.2% shooting while forcing 21 turnovers that the Trailblazers converted into 25 points. Vincennes' pressure produced 12 steals and fueled 17 transition points, and the Trailblazers overpowered the visitors inside with a 56–16 advantage in points in the paint, a 55–26 rebounding edge, and 22 second-chance points. Offensively, VU shot an efficient 53.8% from the field in one of its most complete performances of the season.

Johnson noted that the team's depth continues to be a foundation of their identity. "We're a very deep team — very talented — and we try to give everyone a chance," she said. "Whoever's playing well, we ride them, and whoever's not, their teammates pick them up. There's no selfishness on this team."

With momentum restored following the holiday break, the Trailblazers quickly turn the page toward one of their toughest tests of the season. VU will be back on the floor Wednesday, December 3, hosting NJCAA No. 6 Three Rivers College at 5:00 p.m. ET, marking a rematch of the November 22 meeting in Missouri, where the Trailblazers narrowly fell 63–58.

Hear more from Coach Johnson by clicking here.

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As always, fans can keep up with the Vincennes University Women's Basketball squad all year long through a number of ways: