Women's Basketball Roll Past Independence in Conference Opener
The Trojans women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance in its KJCCC opener on Wednesday night, overwhelming Independence Community College 57–24 inside the Colby Event Center.
COLBY, Kan. — The Trojans women's basketball team delivered a commanding performance in its KJCCC opener on Wednesday night, overwhelming Independence Community College 57–24 inside the Colby Event Center.
From the opening tip, Colby's defense set the tone. The Trojans held the Pirates to single digits in every quarter, limiting Independence to just 5 first-quarter points and 24 total points—one of the program's most dominant defensive outings in recent seasons. Colby built an 8–5 lead after one, then broke the game open with a decisive 20–6 second quarter on their way to a 28–11 halftime advantage. The Trojans kept complete control the rest of the way, outscoring Independence in all four quarters.
Colby (3–3, 1–0 KJCCC) executed with efficiency on both ends, shooting 42.3% from the field and finishing with 31 rebounds, 11 assists, and 9 steals. Dessirae Ulmer powered the offense with a standout performance, scoring 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting and grabbing 11 rebounds for a double-double.
Jera Kruleski added 13 points, hitting a pair of threes, while Paishintz Booker chipped in 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in a steady all-around effort. Off the bench, Easha Potts (7 points, 6 rebounds) and Elia Ando (6 points, 3 rebounds) provided a spark, helping Colby maintain its lead throughout the second half.
The Trojans also turned defense into offense, forcing 24 Independence turnovers and holding the Pirates to 20.5% shooting, including just 2-of-11 from three and 4-of-13 at the line. Independence struggled to generate rhythm against Colby, never scoring in double digits in any quarter.
The Trojans are now 4-3 (1-0 KJCCC) so far this season. With a dominant conference opening win now behind them, the Trojans look to build momentum as they head to Liberal, KS to face off against a dominant Seward County squad. Seward County enters at 6–1, with their lone loss coming in last week's overtime matchup against No. 11 New Mexico Junior College. The Lady Saints average 87.3 points on 41.3% shooting, led by Avery Marchino's 22.8 points and 7.7 rebounds, with Kimora Fagan and A'Neya Chambers also scoring in double figures.
