Defense Lifts Trojans Over Cloud County Saturday

COLBY, Kan. - The Trojans women's basketball team delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday (Dec. 6) afternoon, outlasting Cloud County 55–48 at the Colby Event Center to climb back to .500 overall and in conference play. The Trojans improved to 6–6 (3–3 KJCCC), using disciplined defense and timely scoring to knock off a T-Birds squad known for its high-powered offense.

Cloud entered the matchup averaging more than 82 points per game with four players scoring in double figures, but Colby held the T-Birds to a season-low 48 points on just 29 percent shooting. The Trojans also limited Cloud's transition opportunities and forced 17 turnovers, turning those into 21 points on the other end.

Offensively, Colby leaned on balance once again. Dessirae Ulmer provided an early spark and finished with 10 points on efficient shooting. Jera Kruleski added 13 points, knocking down three threes and continuing her rise as a reliable perimeter scorer. Easha Potts contributed nine points and seven rebounds, while Olivia Hultgren chipped in seven points and added two assists.

Colby's interior presence proved to be the difference all afternoon. The Trojans outrebounded Cloud 42–24, including a dominant 31–13 edge on defensive boards. Elia Ando gave Colby a lift off the bench with 10 rebounds,  while Piri Lewis anchored the backcourt with six rebounds and a team-high five assists.

Defensively, Colby executed its game plan on Cloud's top scorer, Camiah Muldrow, who finished with 19 points but was held to 7-for-20 shooting. The Trojans stayed disciplined and allowed only eight points in the paint, shutting down an offense that typically relies heavily on interior scoring and ball movement.

The win caps a strong week for Colby and highlights the program's growing balance. Ulmer continues to lead the team at 13.0 points per game, Hultgren remains a steady producer at 10.6, and Kruleski has pushed her scoring into double figures following another high scoring performance. 

Colby will look to carry the momentum into next Saturday (Dec. 13) in Coffeyville, as conference play continues and the Trojans aim to climb further up the KJCCC standings.