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Vincennes University

Offensive Woes Halt Trailblazers’ Six-Game Win Streak

Offensive Woes Halt Trailblazers’ Six-Game Win Streak
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February 28, 2026

MOUNT CARMEL, Ill. — The Vincennes University Women's Basketball team saw its six-game winning streak come to an end Saturday night, falling 75–49 on the road to Wabash Valley College in Region 24 play. The loss moves the Trailblazers to 19–8 overall and 10–2 in region action.

VU opened the game with energy, taking a 16–12 lead after the first quarter, but Wabash Valley responded with an 18–4 second period to seize control before halftime. The hosts extended their advantage in the third quarter and maintained separation throughout the final frame.

Sophomore guard Zion Hayes led VU as the only Trailblazer in double figures, finishing with 16 points and six rebounds, going 6-of-14 from the field and 3-of-3 at the free-throw line. Sophomore post Dženifera Rieksta finished with six points and a team-high nine rebounds.

As a team, the Trailblazers struggled mightily offensively, shooting 24.2 percent overall from the field and 19.0 percent from three-point range, while converting only 13-of-21 free throws. VU committed 16 turnovers and was outscored in the paint 36–20, as Wabash Valley shot 45.5 percent overall and controlled more than three quarters of the game.

First-year Head Coach Nyla Johnson pointed to execution and shot selection as the difference. "We missed a lot of uncharacteristic shots," Johnson said. "Zion did a good job trying to keep us in it early, but we didn't give her enough help."

Johnson added that turnovers and missed opportunities compounded the challenge. "We turned it over too much and missed free throws," she said. "It's hard to cut into a lead when you can't convert at the line. Wabash made us play faster than we wanted to, and we got pulled into that."

Despite the setback, Johnson emphasized the need to quickly regroup. "We didn't execute our game plan the way we have the last few games," she said. "Now it's about refocusing, recalibrating, and getting ready for the next one."

VU will return home for its final regular season contest, while simultaneously celebrating the team's six sophomores, on Tuesday, March 3, hosting undefeated and NJCAA No. 15-ranked Southwestern Illinois College at 5:00 p.m. ET inside the P.E. Complex. The Trailblazers dropped the first meeting between the teams 54–45 on January 28.

Tuesday's game will also serve as Isaiah 117 House Night, raising awareness and support for a Knox County organization that provides safe, comforting spaces for children awaiting foster placement. Isaiah 117 House works to reduce trauma for children removed from unsafe situations, lighten the load for child welfare services, and ease the transition for foster families by providing clean clothes, toys, and compassionate care during difficult moments.

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: