MATTOON, Ill. – The Trailblazer volleyball team's quest for a Region 24 Championship came up just short Saturday afternoon as VUVB finishes as runners-up after falling 3-0 to Kaskaskia.
The Blue Angels started the match on fire, scoring the first nine points of the first set, before VU responded but were ultimately unable to completely erase the deficit as KCC took set one 25-17.
Vincennes jumped out to the early lead in set two, gaining an early 4-0 advantage, before Kaskaskia came storming back to take the lead and the set 25-19 to hold a 2-0 match lead.
VUVB was again determined not to get swept in the third set, jumping out to a 7-2 advantage before the Blue Angels responded to score 21 of the next 30 points to hold a 23-16 lead.
The Blazers would not go down without a fight however, as VU attempted a late set rally like they did against John A. Logan Friday night. This time though, the comeback attempt fell short as KCC took set three and the match 25-20.
"We did not have any kind of rhythm to the game," VUVB head coach Gary Sien said. "We were on our heels the majority of the time, allowing Kaskaskia to dictate the ebb and flow of the match. Though we did fight back in each set, this was a disappointing ending to Region play."
Vincennes was led offensively by Jamie Russell, who led the Blazers with 10 kills. Russell would also finish with four digs and three block assists defensively.
Anna Johnsey and Amee Beedle came through with five kills each, with Johnsey adding four block assists and two digs and Beedle adding a team-high 13 digs, a solo block, one block assist and a set assist.
VU setter Savannah Grimes finished with another double-double, her 12th of the season, with 18 set assists and 12 digs. Grimes also added three aces and a block assist to her line.
Kacee Nicholson and Grace Earp patrolled the back line well for VU, with Nicholson recording 11 digs and Earp finishing with nine.
Elizabeth Combs and Emile Cornelson had a good day at the net, with Combs leading the Blazers with six block assists to go along with her five digs and two aces and Cornelson adding five block assists, three digs and two kills.
Despite the loss, Vincennes does still advance to the NJCAA D-I Midwest District Tournament next weekend, Friday April 2 and Saturday April 3.
The Trailblazers opponent and game time have still yet to be determined.
Kaskaskia 25 25 25 x x
VU (15-10) 17 19 20 x x
VINCENNES STATS
Kacee Nicholson – 11 digs
Savannah Grimes – 3.5 points, 3 aces, 12 digs, 18 set assists, 1 block assist
Amee Beedle – 6.5 points, 5 kills, 1 solo block, 1 block assist, 13 digs, 1 set assist
Emile Cornelson – 4.5 points, 2 kills, 5 block assists, 3 digs
Anna Johnsey – 7 points, 5 kills, 4 block assists, 2 digs
Jamie Russell – 11.5 points, 10 kills, 3 block assists, 4 digs
Grace Earp – 9 digs
Elizabeth Combs – 5 points, 2 aces, 6 block assists, 5 digs