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Vincennes University

Trailblazers Stay Perfect in Region with Road Win at Olney Central

Trailblazers Stay Perfect in Region with Road Win at Olney Central
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January 21, 2026

OLNEY, Ill. — The Vincennes University Women's Basketball team delivered its most complete performance of the season Wednesday night, rolling to an 81–46 Region 24 road victory over Olney Central College to improve to 12–6 overall and 4–0 in region play.

VU took control early and never allowed Olney Central to find a rhythm, building a 15–6 lead after the first quarter and extending the margin to 35–21 by halftime. The Trailblazers seized full command coming out of the break, outscoring the Blue Knights 28–15 in the third quarter before closing out the game with consistent defensive pressure in the fourth.

Sophomore forward Taliya Heron led all scorers with 19 points on 9-of-16 shooting, adding eight rebounds and anchoring VU's interior presence. Sophomore guard Zion Hayes followed with 15 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while sophomore post Dženifera Rieksta was efficient inside with 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Sophomore guard Netala Dixon added 12 points, eight rebounds, and six assists off the bench as the Trailblazers consistently generated production across the lineup.

VU imposed its will defensively, holding Olney Central to just 23.2 percent shooting from the field and 31.6 percent from three, while limiting the Blue Knights to 10 points in the paint. The Trailblazers also controlled the glass 45–30 and forced 17 turnovers, converting those miscues into 18 points.

On the offensive end, Vincennes shot an efficient 50 percent from the field and showcased strong ball movement, finishing with 25 assists on 35 made field goals. The Trailblazers consistently attacked the interior, generating 52 of their 81 points in the paint through patient execution and unselfish play.

First-year Head Coach Nyla Johnson praised her team's execution and composure, calling it the most thorough effort she has seen from her group this season. "I thought that was the most complete game we've played all year," Johnson said. "We did a really good job working the ball through the paint and letting those touches generate open looks. Everybody who played contributed positively, and I was really proud of our focus and our defensive effort."

Johnson also highlighted the team's ability to handle physical play and adjust throughout the game. "That's a team that can really shoot it and spread you out," she said. "I thought we did a really good job neutralizing their strengths and capitalizing on ours. Our guards did a good job stabilizing us early, and our forwards were patient and worked well together in the second half."

With the road win, VU remains unbeaten in Region 24 play and now turns its attention to another key region matchup. The Trailblazers will return home on Saturday, January 24, hosting Wabash Valley College at 12:00 p.m. ET inside the P.E. Complex.

Join the Journey

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