Women's Basketball Season Ends in Quarterfinals at Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Colby Trojans women's basketball team battled throughout the night but fell 74–65 to Hutchinson Tuesday (March 10) on the road for the quarter finals of the DI District Plains Women's Basketball Tournament. The Trojans led at halftime, but a strong third quarter by the Blue Dragons proved to be the difference.

Colby struck first early in the opening quarter when Dessirae Ulmer knocked down a jumper off an assist from Easha Potts. Hutchinson quickly responded behind a pair of three-pointers from Kaia Smith, helping the Blue Dragons build an early 8–2 lead.

Ulmer helped keep the Trojans within striking distance throughout the quarter, scoring several early baskets, while the Colby bench gave the team a late spark. Paishintz Booker scored four points late in the period with just over a minute remaining, as Hutchinson closed the quarter leading 14–10.

Colby found its rhythm in the second quarter and slowly chipped away at the deficit. Jera Kruleski knocked down a three-pointer early in the period, and Piri Lewis followed with a jumper after forcing a turnover to bring the Trojans within two. The momentum continued to swing Colby's way midway through the quarter. Potts converted an and-one opportunity to keep the Trojans close before Amisha Russell knocked down a three-pointer to tie the game at 21–21.

Russell continued her strong stretch by scoring five straight points for the Trojans, including another three-pointer with just over three minutes remaining to give Colby a 26–23 lead. Kruleski later added a free throw following a Hutchinson technical foul, and Ulmer split a pair at the line to help the Trojans carry a 28–26 advantage into halftime.

Colby continued its momentum early in the third quarter. Ulmer scored six quick points, including back-to-back baskets that pushed the Trojans ahead 34–30 midway through the period. Hutchinson responded with a decisive run fueled by second-chance opportunities. A three-pointer from Smith gave the Blue Dragons their first lead of the half at 37–36, sparking a stretch where Hutchinson began to pull away.

Late baskets from Katie Duncan and Whitney Brown, along with free throws from Noelle Anthon, helped the Blue Dragons outscore Colby 27–15 in the third quarter and take a 53–43 lead into the final period. Hutchinson extended the margin early in the fourth quarter to build its largest lead of the night at 14 points.

Colby continued to fight down the stretch. Ulmer converted a three-point play following a putback, Lewis added a layup, and Russell knocked down a late jumper as the Trojans worked to chip away at the deficit. However, Hutchinson was able to maintain control in the closing minutes and sealed the win at the free-throw line.

Ulmer led all scorers with 24 points and eight rebounds, shooting 11-of-19 from the field. Russell added 13 points, including three three-pointers, while Lewis finished with 12 points, six assists, five rebounds, and three steals. Kruleski contributed five points and five rebounds, while Potts added five points and four assists.

As a team, Colby shot 41.7 percent from the field, but Hutchinson controlled the boards 46–32, including 15 offensive rebounds that led to 25 second-chance points. 

The loss marks the end of the season for the Trojans, who finish the year 16–16 overall in head coach Darin Spence's third season leading the program. Highlights of the season included a statement home victory over No. 2 Dodge City as well as another key home win against Coffeyville.

Dessirae Ulmer led the Trojans offensively throughout the season, averaging 14.6 points per game while also leading the team on the glass. Ulmer delivered several standout performances during the year, including a 33-point outing against Dodge City and a 30-point performance in the Trojans' opening-round tournament win over Pratt. She also recorded four double-doubles on the season, cementing herself as one of the Trojans' most consistent contributors.

Despite the early postseason exit, the Trojans showed resilience throughout the year and built momentum with several signature wins as the program continues to develop under Spence's leadership