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Vincennes University

Trailblazers Fall Short in Cardinal Classic Finale

Trailblazers Fall Short in Cardinal Classic Finale
Box Score Box Score
October 11, 2025

PALOS HILLS, Mo. – The Vincennes University Women's Volleyball team, currently receiving votes in the latest NJCAA Division I National Poll, wrapped up a demanding weekend at the Mineral Area College Cardinal Classic on Saturday with matchups against No. 20 Iowa Western Community College and Missouri State University–West Plains. Playing without standout freshman Kenli Sullivan (injury) for the third straight day, the Trailblazers continued to show depth and determination, falling in straight sets to Iowa Western (25–22, 25–20, 26–24) and in four sets to West Plains (20–25, 25–17, 20–25, 15–25) to move to 23–6 overall on the season.

Strong Showing vs. No. 20 Iowa Western

VU opened the day with one of its most complete efforts of the season, pushing the nationally ranked Reivers to the brink in each set. The Trailblazers played with poise and defensive discipline, using aggressive serving and an active front line to stay within striking distance throughout the match.

Paulina Krawczyk led the way with 8 kills and a .316 hitting percentage, while Taryn Thuis added 7 kills and 3 blocks. Lili Palenczat contributed 7 kills, 7 digs, and a solo block, with Nicole De La Cruz adding 6 kills and 3 block assists. Rylee Edwards distributed 11 assists and picked up 11 digs, while Scarlet Konkel added 12 assists to help balance the offense. Adaline Eisenmann anchored the defense with 12 digs.

"We played pretty well overall," Head Coach Gary Sien said. "We were in every set, especially in the third, where we had chances to close it out. Our blocking was very good, and we served tough enough to keep them off balance. It was one of those matches where a few key plays made the difference."

Trailblazers Show Fight Against West Plains

In their second match of the day, the Trailblazers showed strong offensive balance early but were unable to maintain momentum against a seasoned West Plains squad. Taryn Thuis continued her standout weekend with 14 kills and a .583 hitting percentage, while Martyna Sadowska added 9 kills, 3 total blocks, and a .273 efficiency. Lili Palenczat recorded her first collegiate double-double, finishing with 11 kills and 12 digs, while Nicole De La Cruz chipped in 7 kills, 2 aces, and 2 solo blocks. Rylee Edwards ran the offense with 29 assists and 10 digs, and Adaline Eisenmann added 16 digs from the back row.

"We started the day with a lot of energy, but the second match caught up with us a bit," Sien said. "It's been a long stretch of matches, and our lineup has been adjusting. Still, we had some great individual performances — Taryn was outstanding, Nicole had one of her best all-around matches, and Lili really stepped up with her double-double. We just didn't find enough of those big plays in the tight moments."

Sien said the weekend provided valuable experience as the team continues to navigate a challenging schedule. "We played three nationally ranked teams in two days," he said. "It's one of the toughest stretches on our schedule, but these are the kinds of matches that help us grow. We're finding new rhythm with lineup adjustments and learning how to finish better in close sets."

Looking Ahead

The Trailblazers now return to Region 24 play on Monday, October 13, at 6 p.m. EST, when they travel to face Frontier Community College. Vincennes enters the matchup 11–1 in region play and tied with John A. Logan College for first place as they continue their pursuit of a fifth straight Region 24 championship.

Join the Journey

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