Strong Response Lifts Trailblazers Past Frontier in Four Sets

VINCENNES, Ind. — The Vincennes University Volleyball team remained unbeaten in Region 24 play Saturday afternoon, earning a hard-fought 3–1 (21–25, 25–19, 25–19, 25–20) victory over Frontier Community College inside the VU Student Recreation Center. The win pushes the Trailblazers to 2–0 overall and 2–0 in the region.

VU stumbled out of the gate, dropping the opening set after struggling to slow down the Frontier attack and failing to record a block. But once adjustments were made, the Trailblazers' defense began to dictate the match. Head Coach Gary Sien noted that the turning point came when his team started getting hands on Frontier's hitters. "We just sort of blocked a bit more to get hands under their hitters, and that was the difference," Sien said. "We were able to not only get points off blocks but also create transition opportunities. From there, our defense really stepped up."

The Trailblazers rode that momentum through the next three sets, highlighted by the offensive firepower of freshman Kenli Sullivan, who pounded down 16 kills to lead all scorers while adding three blocks and two service aces. Sophomore Nicole De La Cruz turned in a standout two-way performance with eight kills on a .471 hitting percentage, three service aces, and two blocks. Fellow freshman Taryn Thuis added eight kills and three blocks, giving VU a strong presence at the net.

Running the offense was sophomore setter Rylee Edwards, who dished out 27 assists to go along with four digs and a service ace. The match carried added meaning for Edwards, a Fairfield, Ill. native competing against her hometown college. Sien praised her leadership, noting, "That's her high school, her club coach, her community. She knew a third of the players on the other side, and she still stepped up and ran the offense with poise. That kind of leadership is exactly what this young team needs."

Defensively, Adaline Eisenmann anchored the back row with a match-high 20 digs, while Allie Robinson added six, and Scarlet Konkel and Paulina Krawczyk chipped in five apiece. As a team, VU totaled 49 digs, 10 blocks, and 10 service aces, showing balance across all phases of the game.

Sien credited his team for responding to adversity after the slow start. "The thing that impressed me most was the mindset," he said. "They could have hung their heads after the first set, but they didn't. They moved forward, played with confidence, and finished strong."

The Trailblazers now prepare for a major early-season test at the Owens Invitational in Perrysburg, Ohio, one of the largest NJCAA tournaments in the country. The showcase will feature more than 35 teams from across the nation, giving VU an opportunity to measure itself against some of the top programs in the country. VU opens play in the event on Friday, August 29th at 11:45AM EST versus Clark State College.

Hear more from Coach Sien by clicking here.

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