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Vincennes University

Trailblazers Open Season with Sweep at Shawnee

Trailblazers Open Season with Sweep at Shawnee
Box Score
August 21, 2025

ULLIN, Ill. — The Vincennes University Volleyball team opened its 2025 season in commanding fashion, overcoming a slow start to sweep Shawnee Community College 3–0 (26–24, 25–10, 25–7).

The Trailblazers (1–0) rallied from an early deficit in the opening set, erasing a seven-point Shawnee lead before closing out a 26–24 win. Head Coach Gary Sien credited his young team's ability to settle in after some early nerves. "We just had to work out a lot of our nervousness," Sien said. "At the beginning we were reacting instead of anticipating. But once we adjusted our defense and took a couple deep breaths, we got back to just playing volleyball."

Once they found their rhythm, Vincennes leaned on a balanced offensive attack. Sophomore Martyna Sadowska was a force at the net, finishing with 12 kills on a .579 hitting percentage along with four total blocks. Freshman standout Kenli Sullivan added 13 kills while hitting .333, while setter Rylee Edwards ran the offense efficiently with 24 assists and chipped in five digs. Nicole De La Cruz provided a strong all-around performance with three kills, three service aces, and steady work defensively. Libero Adaline Eisenmann anchored the back row with 14 digs in only two sets, helping VU control rallies and extend points.

As a team, the Trailblazers posted a .345 hitting percentage with 36 kills against just seven errors. Their serve and block game also stood out, recording five service aces and nine total blocks. After grinding out the opening set, they rode the momentum into the final two frames, taking control early and rolling to 25–10 and 25–7 wins.

For Sien, the match was as much about growth as it was about the result. "We had three rotations at times with six freshmen on the floor, so some of that inconsistency was expected," he said. "But credit to the team for stepping back, taking a deep breath, and then just playing. Once we got into a rhythm, we were able to dictate the pace."

With the first match under their belt, the Trailblazers quickly turn their attention to Saturday's home opener against Frontier Community College. Sien believes the lessons from the win will carry over. "This was another big step in our growth as a team," he said. "Every region match we'll get an opponent's best shot, so we have to be ready from the start. Our goal is to get better every day we're together."

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