VINCENNES, Ind. -- The Vincennes University Women’s Basketball team wrapped up its home portion of the first-half schedule with a blowout win Saturday afternoon inside the P.E. Complex.

The Lady Trailblazers scored the first 17 points and were never threatened in a 100-44 win over District P foe Rend Lake.

With the win, VU improves to 8-3 on the season and 3-0 against district opponents.

Fess Hawkins led five players in double figures with 20 points to go along with a game-high 15 rebounds.

“That’s an awesome night from Fess,” Trailblazers coach Harry Meeks said of his freshman post player. “She continues to put up big numbers for us."

Jaynice Stovall, who entered the game leading all NJCAA Division I players with 49 steals on the season, started the scoring with a steal at midcourt and finished with a layup.

The defensive pressure continued the rest of the game, as the Trailblazers forced Rend Lake into 12 turnovers in the first quarter.

VU led 25-4 after the first 10 minutes of play.

“Our defensive pressure set the tone early in the game,” Meeks said. “And it all started with the pressure Jaynice applied on the ball.

The Trailblazers led 44-21 at the half and put the game away by outscoring the Warriors 31-7 in the third period.

For the game, Rend Lake turned the ball over 34 times.

Stovall finished the game with 14 points to go along with three steals.

Jocelyn Thompson came off the bench for a career-high 11 points, while Jhala Henry and Ivanda Hudjakova both added 10 points.

“Shout-out to Jocelyn,” the Trailblazers coach said. “She shot the ball really well tonight and did a really nice job with our second group.”

Reeva Hammelman (9), Sofya Besedina (8) and Cristina De La Cruz (8) combined for 25 points in the win.

“I would rather have that kind of (balanced) scoring than have just one player who scores 30 points or so like we had last year,” Meeks said of his offense.

The Trailblazers also dominated Rend Lake on the boards, 53-31 -- 26 coming off the offensive glass.

Hudjakova complimented Hawkins on the boards with 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season.

“That is one of our major keys in any game is being able to rebound the ball well,” Meeks said. “It is nice to see our post players coming up with those kind of numbers.”

The Trailblazers travel to Mineral Area Wednesday night, with a 5 p.m (EST) tip-off.

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MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/newsroom