Trailblazers Extend Win Streak with Region Victory Over Olney Central
VINCENNES, Ind. — The Vincennes University Women's Basketball team secured its sixth consecutive win Wednesday night, defeating Olney Central College 66–49 in Region 24 play at the P.E. Complex. The victory improves the Trailblazers to 19–7 overall and 10–1 in region play as they continue to build momentum down the stretch.
VU established control early, jumping out to a 20–11 first-quarter lead and maintaining composure throughout a competitive first half. After taking a 36–26 advantage into the break, the Trailblazers extended the margin in the third quarter and held Olney to just 49 total points on the night.
Sophomore guard Netala Dixon delivered a standout performance, scoring 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 3-of-3 at the free-throw line, while adding six rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Freshman Lazarie Daniel followed with 13 points off the bench, and sophomore post Dženifera Rieksta contributed 11 points and five rebounds. Sophomore guard Emani Washington added six points and a team-high seven rebounds as VU balanced scoring across the lineup.
As a team, VU shot 47.2 percent from the field, controlled the interior with a 34–22 advantage in points in the paint, and generated 23 points off turnovers. The Trailblazers held Olney to just 31.7 percent shooting from the field and 23.5 percent from three-point range.
First-year Head Coach Nyla Johnson praised her team's preparation and response. "I'm really proud of our kids," Johnson said. "I've challenged them about having better starts, and I thought we came out focused and ready to go tonight."
Johnson also credited Dixon's leadership in a high-stakes conference matchup. "She's a fierce competitor and loves the big moment," Johnson said. "I've been on her about how she starts games, and she responded. That's what leaders do."
With Zion Hayes drawing heavy defensive attention, Johnson pointed to the team's depth as a key factor. "When you're at the top of the scouting report, teams are going to key on you," she said of Hayes. "The confidence of our group is that it's not just one person. If someone is struggling, someone else steps up. That's what being a great teammate is about."
Looking for their seventh win in a row, the Trailblazers will travel to face Wabash Valley College on Saturday, February 28, with tip-off set for 6:00 p.m. ET. Vincennes won the first meeting between the teams 76–65 on January 24 in Vincennes. Johnson knows the next challenge will demand composure. "It's going to be a dogfight," she said of Saturday's trip to Wabash Valley. "We'll be in a hostile environment against a team that plays extremely hard. It's region play — everyone is fighting for something. We have to be prepared."
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:
- X (formerly Twitter): @VUTrailblazers | @VincennesWBB
- Facebook: Vincennes University Athletics
- Instagram: @VincennesUTrailblazers | @VincennesWBB
- Youtube (live & on demand content): BlazerVision
- Website: https://govutrailblazers.com
