National News

 November 2, 2009

HILLSBORO, Mo. - Freshman Deanna Thompson had 29 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead the Vincennes Lady Trailblazers to an 84-61 win over Southeastern Illinois Sunday in VU's first game of the Jefferson College Tip-Off Classic in Hillsboro, Mo.

The victory tipped off the Lady Trailblazers' 2009-10 season.

Sophomore Ashley Buis had 15 points, four assists and two steals, while sophomore Megan Craft scored seven, dished out five assists and turned in three steals. Freshman Jasmine McGhee contributed six points and four boards and sophomore Misty Wynn recorded three steals to go with her five points. Freshman Brooklyn Hillsman had eight points and freshman Charae Richardson pitched in with three steals for the Lady Trailblazers (1-0).

Thompson was 14-of-16 from the field as VU scored 51 points in the second half to pull away from a two-point halftime lead at 33-31.

As a team, the Lady Trailblazers had 30 rebounds (10 offensive boards), 16 steals, 17 assists and six blocked shots in the rout of the Lady Falcons.

VU will face Rend Lake Rend Lake on the classic's second day Monday.

The Lady Trailblazers return from the Jefferson College event to entertain Olive-Harvey in a 5 p.m. game on Saturday, Nov. 7. After a trip to play the Lindsey-Wilson College J.V. team on Nov. 9, VU comes home to take on John A. Logan at 5 p.m., prior to the VU Trailblazers' 7 p.m. contest with the Volunteers.