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Vincennes University

Blazers Perfect at Showdown on the Wabash

Blazers Perfect at Showdown on the Wabash
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October 4, 2025

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Women's Volleyball team, currently receiving votes in the latest NJCAA Division I National Poll, closed out an unbeaten weekend at its home classic, the Showdown on the Wabash, behind another pair of straight-set wins on Saturday, earning victories over Lewis & Clark Community College and St. Louis Community College to finish the event a perfect 4–0. The Trailblazers improved their overall record to 23–2 on the season.

Game One: Balanced Effort Leads to Sweep of Lewis & Clark

VU started Saturday's doubleheader with a commanding 3–0 win (25–8, 25–17, 25–15) over Lewis & Clark, controlling the match from start to finish. The Trailblazers' serving and ball control kept the visitors on the defensive throughout, allowing Vincennes to dictate the pace and rotate in the entire roster.

Kenli Sullivan paced the offense with 11 kills, while Nicole De La Cruz added 9 kills, a .474 hitting percentage, and a block. Taryn Thuis chipped in 5 kills and 4 total blocks, while Paulina Krawczyk and Lili Palenczat combined for 8 kills. Setter Rylee Edwards tallied 15 assists, and Scarlet Konkel contributed 15 more as the Trailblazers ran a clean two-setter system. Adaline Eisenmann continued to anchor the back row with 17 digs, while Krawczyk and De La Cruz provided additional balance at the net.

"That first match was really dominant from start to finish," Head Coach Gary Sien said. "We controlled the pace early and served tough, which kept their top hitters out of rhythm. It also gave us the chance to get everyone on the floor — something you don't always get to do in a competitive setting."

Game Two: Trailblazers Cap Weekend with Sweep of St. Louis CC

VU wrapped up the weekend with another straight-set victory, defeating St. Louis CC 3–0 (25–19, 25–18, 25–21). Despite a slower start, the Trailblazers' depth and net play again proved too much as they extended their winning streak to eight matches and closed the weekend without dropping a set.

Taryn Thuis led the attack with 14 kills on a .423 hitting percentage and added 4 total blocks, while Kenli Sullivan recorded another strong outing with 12 kills, 11 digs, and 2 blocks. Paulina Krawczyk added 7 kills and a block, and Nicole De La Cruz chipped in 5 kills, 6 digs, and an ace. Rylee Edwards ran a smooth offense with 22 assists, 3 aces, and 9 digs, while Adaline Eisenmann anchored the defense once again with a team-high 20 digs.

"We probably didn't have quite the same energy in the second match, but the team stayed focused and took care of business," Sien said. "It was a long weekend, but we served tough, blocked well, and didn't drop a single set. That shows the level of consistency and discipline we've been striving for."

All-Tournament Team

The following athletes were recognized at the end of the Showdown on the Wabash as members of the all-tournament team:

Alana Allison | Lucy Means - Calhoun CC
Madyson Buckingham | Haley Smith - Edison State CC
Lauren Bertagnolli | Haili Pajares - Lewis & Clark CC
Sydney Green | Presley Vangaasbeek - St. Louis CC
Rylee Edwards | Taryn Thuis - Vincennes University
Bri Fuquay | Kaitlyn Oakley - Wabash Valley College 

What's Next

VU now turns its attention back to Region 24 play, where the Trailblazers stand 10–0 and in first place. Vincennes will travel to face Southwestern Illinois College on Thursday, October 9, at 7:30 p.m. EDT, before heading into a challenging weekend at the Midwest Fall Classic, featuring matchups with nationally-ranked opponents Indian Hills Community College and Iowa Western Community College, as well as perennial power Missouri State University–West Plains.

"It's been a really strong stretch for us," Sien said. "This weekend helped us build depth and rhythm heading into an important part of the season. We're looking forward to getting back into region play and continuing to raise our level as we prepare to defend our Region 24 title."

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: