Volleyball Closes Blazer Classic with Back-to-Back Wins

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Volleyball team wrapped up the Blazer Classic with another strong showing Saturday, defeating Wallace State Community College-Hanceville and Ellsworth Community College to finish the weekend 3-1. With the pair of victories, the Trailblazers improved to 10-1 overall on the season and continued to showcase their depth against quality competition.

VU 3, Wallace State 1

The Trailblazers started quickly in their morning matchup, taking the first two sets 25-16 and 25-17 before Wallace State responded with a 25-17 win in the third. VU regrouped to finish the job in the fourth, 25-22. Nicole De La Cruz turned in a strong all-around performance with six kills, four blocks, and two aces, while Taryn Thuis and Paulina Krawczyk added nine and eight kills respectively. Rylee Edwards directed the offense with 27 assists and added four aces, and Adaline Eisenmann anchored the back row with 18 digs.

Head Coach Gary Sien credited Edwards for steadying the offense with her leadership. "We ran a 5-1 offense in this match to get a sophomore setter out there and calm the team down," Sien said. "Our offense struggled to find rhythm at times, but our middles did a good job, Nicole was strong in all areas, and Adaline and Allie gave us good defense"

VU 3, Ellsworth 0

In the afternoon finale, VU came out strong again, winning the first two sets 25-19 and 25-18 before surviving a marathon third set 31-29 to close out the sweep. Sullivan led the way with 14 kills and 11 digs, while Thuis added eight kills and De La Cruz chipped in nine kills, three blocks, and two aces. Edwards ran the offense efficiently with 14 assists, two kills, and two aces, and Eisenmann added 13 digs.

Sien noted that the long third set was a testament to the team's grit. "That third set was the first time all year we ran out of substitutions," he said. "It was a grind, but the players found a way to get it done. For such a young team with so many freshmen on the floor at once, that kind of fight shows their competitive drive."

With the Blazer Classic in the books, Sien praised the team's ability to push through a long weekend and reach double-digit wins early in the year. "This was a very competitive weekend in a short time, and I think fatigue played a role at times, but to be 10-1 two weeks into the season is a great start for this group," Sien said. "We're showing heart and growth every time out, and that's something we can build on as we get into more Region 24 play."

All-Tournament Team

The following athletes were recognized at the end of the Blazer Classic as members of the all-tournament team:

Halle Brazelton | Kayln Cordes - Danville Area CC
Vera Hojnacki | Camylle Le Meur - Ellsworth CC
Belen Ferrufino | Lara Gilardi De Souza - Mineral Area College
Grace Johnson | Addison Walton - Southwestern Illinois College
Nicole De La Cruz | Kenli Sullivan - Vincennes University
Ayiana Nieves | Kaitlyn Oakley - Wabash Valley College
Cheyenne Lucas | Kenzie Noles - Wallace State CC

Looking Ahead

The Trailblazers (10-1) return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. (EST) when they travel to face Southeastern Illinois College in another Region 24 matchup.

Hear more from Coach Sien by clicking here.

Join the Journey

As always, fans can keep up with the Vincennes University Volleyball squad all year long through a number of ways:

• X (formerly Twitter): @VUTrailblazers
• Facebook: Vincennes University Athletics
• Instagram: @VincennesUTrailblazers
• Youtube (live & on demand content): BlazerVision
• Website: https://govutrailblazers.com