Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Vincennes University

Trailblazers Roll Past UC-Clermont for Fifth Straight Victory

Trailblazers Roll Past UC-Clermont for Fifth Straight Victory
Tickets Listen Live Watch Live Box Score
February 20, 2026

VINCENNES, Ind. — The Vincennes University Women's Basketball team turned in one of its most complete performances of the season Friday night, defeating USCAA-member University of Cincinnati-Clermont 101–37 inside the P.E. Complex to improve to 18–7 overall and 9–1 in Region 24 play, extending its winning streak to five games.

VU set the tone immediately, exploding for 31 points in both the first and second quarters while holding the visitors to just 15 combined points to take a commanding 62–15 halftime lead. The Trailblazers maintained their pace after the break, continuing to rotate lineups and extend the margin throughout the second half.

Sophomore guard Zion Hayes led all scorers with 21 points, adding a team-high 10 rebounds, six assists, and five steals in an all-around performance. Sophomore guard Netala Dixon followed with 18 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while sophomore post Dženifera Rieksta added 15 points, converting all five free-throw attempts. Sophomore guard Emani Washington contributed 10 points and a game-high eight assists, and freshman Lazarie Daniel added 10 points off the bench as the Trailblazers placed five players in double figures, with every VU player who dressed recording at least one basket in a balanced team effort.

As a team, VU shot an efficient 52.4 percent from the field and finished with 28 assists on 43 made baskets, showcasing strong ball movement and offensive balance while adding 20 transition points. The Trailblazers controlled the game inside with a 50–10 advantage in points in the paint and dominated the glass 54–23, while forcing 17 turnovers that led to 20 points. Defensively, VU held UC-Clermont to just 25.9 percent shooting and limited the visitors to only two transition points throughout the contest.

First-year head coach Nyla Johnson praised her team's preparation and early focus. "I thought our kids came out ready to go and did a much better job being locked in from the start," Johnson said. "We didn't handle the third quarter the way we wanted, but overall I was proud of how we stayed together and responded."

Johnson also highlighted the opportunity to evaluate different lineup combinations and the continued development of the program's younger players. "We don't always plan to sub entire groups, but we practice that way," she said. "It was important to see how certain units worked together under game pressure, especially our freshmen. They communicated well and found ways to impact the game."

Johnson emphasized that team culture continues to drive the group's momentum. "I love how our team celebrates each other," she said. "We talk about competing, being good people, and being great teammates, and I thought we showed all three tonight."

With the non-conference schedule complete, the Trailblazers now return to Region 24 play, alone in second place in the standings. VU will host Olney Central College on Wednesday, February 25, with tip-off set for 5:00 p.m. ET at the P.E. Complex. VU won the first meeting between the teams 81–46 on January 21 in Olney. The game will also serve as Community School Night, welcoming local school-age students for an evening of games, contests, prizes, and family-friendly activities.

Hear more from Coach Johnson by clicking here.

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: