Dragons' Fire Extinguished as No. 7 Colby Sweeps Hutchinson in KJCCC Clash

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team couldn't find an answer for seventh-ranked Colby's relentless attack Wednesday night, falling 25-19, 25-20, 25-17 at the Sports Arena in a Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference clash.

The Blue Dragons (5-5, 1-2 KJCCC) showed flashes of brilliance but couldn't sustain momentum against the visiting Trojans, who improved to 9-2 overall and remained unbeaten in conference play at 3-0.

Sophomores Jaylynn McNeill and Atlyn Proctor carried the offensive load for Hutchinson, each recording seven kills. McNeill delivered her most complete performance of the season, hitting .227 on 22 attacks while anchoring the defense with a season-high five block assists. Proctor battled through 36 swings, managing a .028 hitting percentage in the loss.

The statistics told the story of a grinding match where small margins made the difference. Hutchinson managed just a .031 team hitting percentage on 24 kills, while Colby found more consistent rhythm at .170 with 36 kills. The Blue Dragons dominated at the net with an 8-4 blocking advantage, but Colby's devastating service game proved decisive – the Trojans racked up 13 aces compared to Hutchinson's five.

Libero Clara Oliveira anchored the back row with a team-high 12 digs, while setters Alexandra Garcia (13 assists) and Angela Reupena (eight assists) distributed the offense. Kierny Follmer and Mattie Gallaher each contributed four block assists.

Colby's balanced attack featured 13 kills from Karlotta Kattai, who spearheaded the Trojans' offensive surge.

The opening set showcased two teams feeling each other out, with neither finding offensive rhythm early. After a 4-4 deadlock, Colby seized control with a 4-0 run and never relinquished the lead despite Hutchinson's late push.

Set two provided the evening's most compelling drama. Trailing 6-3 early, the Blue Dragons clawed back to deadlock the score 10-10 on an Alondra Villanueva kill. McNeill's follow-up kill gave Hutchinson its only lead of the match at 11-10, and the Dragons stretched their advantage to 15-12. But Colby's championship pedigree showed as the Trojans rattled off six consecutive points to seize an 18-15 lead and closed with authority.

The final set belonged to Colby from the start. The Trojans hit a match-best .216 while limiting Hutchinson to just .062. After another 4-4 tie, Colby pulled away decisively, capping the victory with their 13th ace serve on match point.

The Blue Dragons return to action Saturday when they host Garden City at 6 p.m. at the Sports Arena, looking to bounce back in conference play.