MT. CARMEL, Ill. – In a battle between two top-25 women's basketball teams fighting for top position within Region 24, the No. 21-ranked Vincennes University Lady Trailblazers came away with a hard fought 93-79 loss to No. 16 Wabash Valley.
The Trailblazers got off to a very slow start, turning the ball over on three of their first four possessions as the Lady Warriors jumped out to a 20-4 lead in the first quarter.
VU would respond to narrow the margin a little before the end of the first 10 minutes of play, but were only able to cut the lead to 13 points.
The Lady Warriors defense continued to cause problems for Vincennes in the second quarter, as Wabash Valley built a 46-29 halftime advantage.
VU would respond in the second half, cutting into the lead bit by bit, winning the third quarter 17-15 to head into the fourth down 15 points.
Vincennes would get within striking distance as the offensive firepower began to show from each of these teams. VU scored 33 of their 79 points in the final quarter of play.
The Trailblazers would cut the deficit to nine points midway through the fourth but were not able to get any closer as Wabash Valley claimed the 93-79 victory.
Vincennes was led by their trio of standout sophomore guards. Amani Brown led the team with 21 points, as well as getting four assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Reeva Hammelman came alive from deep, hitting four of nine from behind the arc on her way to 18 points, two assists and two steals.
Shaila Beeler ran the Trailblazer offense finishing with 16 points and a team-high seven assists, along with her three rebounds.
The Trailblazers will return home this weekend as VU will host Olney Central Saturday, March 6 at the P.E. Complex. This game will be the first half of a basketball double-header, with tip-off scheduled for 5 p.m. eastern.
VU came away with the 70-62 road win in their match up with Olney Central back on Feb. 1. The Blazers will look to complete the season sweep of the Blue Knights as Hall of Fame Head Coach Harry Meeks looks to earn career victory No. 699.