Early Surge by No. 25 Coffeyville Too Much for Colby

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. — The Colby Trojans women's basketball team competed for all four quarters but was unable to overcome No. 25 Coffeyville's efficiency at the free-throw line and production off turnovers in a 72–55 setback Saturday (Dec. 13) evening in KJCCC play.

Coffeyville set the tone early, opening the game with a 23-point first quarter to establish momentum. Colby responded by trading baskets and settling into the contest, but the Red Ravens continued to capitalize in transition and at the foul line, taking a 40–22 advantage into halftime.

The Trojans came out of the locker room and delivered their strongest stretch of the night in the third quarter. Colby outscored Coffeyville 18–13 in the period, cutting into the deficit behind improved execution on both ends of the floor. Colby finished the game shooting 44.2 percent from the field and recorded 16 assists on 23 made baskets.

Freshman Olivia Hultgren led the Trojans offensively, scoring a team-high 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including four three-pointers. Dessirae Ulmer turned in a solid all-around effort with 10 points and seven rebounds, while Elia Ando provided an efficient spark off the bench, finishing with 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Easha Potts added nine points and four rebounds while Jera Kruleski contributed seven points and six rebounds.

Despite the third-quarter momentum, Coffeyville answered in the final frame, scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter while consistently getting to the free-throw line. The Red Ravens converted 21-of-25 attempts from the stripe, compared to Colby's 2-of-4, proving to be a decisive factor.

Turnovers also played a significant role, as Coffeyville forced 16 Colby miscues and turned them into 16 points, while adding 16 second-chance points. Colby held a 13–4 advantage in bench scoring and narrowly lost the rebounding battle, 35–34, but Coffeyville's efficiency in key moments made the difference.

Coffeyville was led by Hallie Kitchen, who scored a game-high 21 points, including five three-pointers, while Aubrey Hishaw added 18 points and six rebounds.

The loss moves Colby to 6–7 (3–4 KJCCC) as the Trojans will look to build on their third-quarter response as they head into the holiday break. They return to action at the Colby Event Center against Hutchinson (Jan. 3) and Pratt (Jan. 7) after the new year.