Trailblazers Sweep Southeastern Illinois on Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Women's Volleyball team snapped a five-match skid in emphatic fashion Wednesday night, sweeping Southeastern Illinois College 3–0 (25–8, 25–10, 25–16) inside the P.E. Complex on Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night. The Trailblazers improved to 24–7 overall and remain in second place in Region 24, trailing only John A. Logan College.

VU came out sharp from the opening serve, dominating the first set 25–8 and never letting up. The Trailblazers controlled every phase of the match, hitting .266 as a team while limiting Southeastern to single-digit points in two of the three sets. Head Coach Gary Sien said he was proud of how his group responded and refocused after a difficult stretch. "We really needed to get back in the win column," Sien said. "It felt like it had been forever since our last win, and tonight was a great rebound for us. We talked about getting back to the team we were before last weekend — the one that played so well at the Showdown on the Wabash — and we definitely saw that. We minimized our errors and got back to the basics."

Paulina Krawczyk led the attack with 9 kills on 10 swings (.900 hitting percentage) and 10.5 total points, while Lili Palenczat added 6 kills, 5 digs, and 2 service aces. Martyna Sadowska contributed 5 kills, and Taryn Thuis chipped in 4 total blocks and 5 points at the net. The Trailblazers also got valuable performances from their back row and bench. Adaline Eisenmann paced the defense with 10 digs and 3 aces, while Scarlet Konkel made the most of her front-row opportunity, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 on attacks to hit 1.000. Rylee Edwards directed the offense with 13 assists and added a service ace, and sophomore Brooklyn Summers made her long-awaited season debut after returning from injury.

"We served very strong and really attacked from the line," Sien said. "We wanted to rack up points quickly through aces, kills, and blocks, and we did just that. It was nice to get everyone involved, especially getting Brooklyn in for her first action this year — she's one of our sophomore leaders and it was great to see her back out there."

Sien noted that the team's improved efficiency — fewer than 15 total errors in the match — was a clear reflection of their focus and preparation. "We got a little lax in some of our fundamentals during that losing stretch," he said. "Yesterday's practice was all about the basics, and it showed. We passed better, served tougher, and played smarter. That's the version of this team that can compete with anyone."

The win also capped a special night on campus, as VU Athletics recognized the University's faculty and staff for their support and contributions to student-athletes' academic success. "It's always nice to recognize the people who mean so much to our students," Sien said. "Professors, teachers, and staff play such an important role in their college experience — they're mentors and lifelong connections for so many of our athletes."

The Trailblazers now turn their attention back to the road, continuing Region 24 play on Friday, October 17, at 7 p.m. EST against Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois.

Hear more from Coach Sien by clicking here.

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