Trailblazers Hold Off Lincoln Trail on Sophomore Day

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Women's Volleyball team capped a special day of celebration with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Lincoln Trail College on Saturday inside the P.E. Complex. The win improved the Trailblazers to 27–8 overall and 14–3 in Region 24, keeping them firmly in the race for the region title behind John A. Logan College (14–2) and just ahead of Lake Land College (12–4).

Saturday's match also served as Sophomore Day, as VU honored Rylee Edwards (Fairfield, Ill.), Brooklyn Summers (Loogootee, Ind.), Karen Kodi (West Carrollton, Ohio), and Martyna Sadowska (Pila, Poland) for their leadership and contributions to the program.

Head Coach Gary Sien, now in his 10th season leading the Trailblazers, said the day carried extra meaning for both the players and coaching staff. "It was a very emotional day," Sien said. "This group of sophomores means so much to me. They've handled an incredibly tough situation this season — only four sophomores surrounded by 11 freshmen — and they've led with maturity, consistency, and character. They've been more than just leaders on the floor; they've taken initiative off the court, helped with team logistics, and made this season much easier from a coaching standpoint. I'll always be thankful for that."

The Trailblazers came out strong, taking the first two sets 25–22 and 25–22 before Lincoln Trail responded to force a fifth. Despite battling through lineup adjustments and missing players, VU dug deep to secure the decisive set 15–9.

Martyna Sadowska powered the offense with 14 kills, 5 digs, 4 block assists, and 16 total points, turning in one of her most complete matches of the season. Sien noted that her performance was "pretty automatic" and likely a career high in attack attempts, showcasing her consistency and endurance. Kenli Sullivan followed with 12 kills, 18 digs, and 12.5 total points, while Taryn Thuis contributed 10 kills and 4 block assists for 12 total points.

Sien praised Paulina Krawczyk, who finished with 8 kills, 3 digs, and 4 block assists, for sparking the team late in the match after moving into the middle position, where she delivered several key points down the stretch. "Paulina really changed the momentum in the fourth and fifth sets," Sien said. "She came in and gave us a lift with a few big kills and some tough serves to start the fifth. That 4–0 run she helped create really set the tone for how we closed it out."

Rylee Edwards directed the offense with 37 assists, 14 digs, and 3 service aces, guiding VU through rotations that featured multiple position adjustments. Adaline Eisenmann anchored the defense with 28 digs, and Allie Robinson added 17 digs in support. Scarlet Konkel, normally a setter, stepped into a back-row defensive role for the first time in her career, helping stabilize serve receive.

Sien credited the team's resilience and willingness to adapt amid adversity. "We had to make some tough lineup changes and run a 5–1 system with Rylee setting full-time, but everyone responded," he said. "We weren't as sharp offensively as we were Wednesday, but we found ways to win points when we needed them. That says a lot about our toughness and our trust in each other."

The Trailblazers now prepare for their final regular-season home match on Monday, October 27, at 7 p.m. EDT, when they host Region 24 opponent Kaskaskia College. VU won the first meeting between the two teams 3–2 in September in Centralia, Illinois, and will look to close out the regular season strong before heading into postseason play.

Hear more from Coach Sien by clicking here.

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