No. 11 Trojans Prepare for Pivotal Conference Matchups

The No. 11-ranked Colby Community College volleyball team returns to action this week with two key conference matchups. The Trojans will travel to Seward County tomorrow (Oct. 15) before heading to Dodge City on Saturday (Oct. 18) for a 6:30 p.m. start.

Colby enters the week on a hot streak, sitting at 19-4 overall and a perfect 11-0 in KJCCC play, marking the first time in program history the Trojans have started conference play undefeated at 11-0. The team is coming off a strong week, splitting six sets with wins over Cloud County and Hutchinson.

Statistically, Colby continues to dominate. The Trojans lead the NJCAA in both kills and assists per set, averaging 13.74 kills and 12.84 assists per set, while also pacing the conference from the service line with 2.51 aces per set.

Offensively, sophomore outside hitter Karlotta Kattai has been sensational, leading the team with 286 kills, ranking third nationally in kills per set (4.14), and topping the conference charts. Running the offense is setter Amanda Caputi, whose 874 assists (11.50 per set) rank first in the NJCAA, fueling one of the most efficient attacks in the nation.

Two-way standout Ella Dridi continues to make an impact, recording 231 digs and 224 kills this season. Libero Anita Ferri anchors the back row with 230 digs, providing consistent defense. At the net, middle blocker Isadora Carrareto leads the Trojans with 56 blocks (0.95 per set) and ranks second in the KJCCC in hitting percentage and fourth in blocks per set, giving Colby a formidable presence on both ends of the court.

Seward County (7-14, 4-6 KJCCC) comes into Tuesday's matchup following a sweep of Pratt at The Greenhouse. The Saints have recorded 848 kills and 794 assists this season, led by outside hitter Mariana Silva, who paces the team with 304 kills (2.79 per set), ranking second in the conference behind Kattai and third in total kills. Setters Maja Kobielska and Jhulya Carlotti have combined for more than 680 assists, while libero Mireya Mawaguchi leads the defense with 234 digs.

Dodge City (10-12, 4-6 KJCCC) hosts Colby on Saturday, seeking to bounce back after consecutive losses. The Conquistadors average 10.61 kills per set with 838 total kills, led by outside hitter Kayla Cantrill, who has tallied 208 kills (2.63 per set). Setter Chelsea Durbridge has contributed over 700 assists, and Sunni Skipps leads the defensive effort with 175 digs, joined by four teammates who have each recorded over 100 digs.

With the KJCCC race tightening at the top, these next two games are crucial as Colby battles Barton for the conference lead. The Trojans have won nine straight matches and are 5-1 on the road, making these matchups a key test.