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Colby Community College Athletics

No. 7 Trojans Set for Conference Clash and Northeastern Tournament Test

The seventh-ranked Colby Community College volleyball team hits the road this week for a challenging stretch of competition against two ranked opponents and conference rival Hutchinson.

No. 7 Trojans Set for Conference Clash and Northeastern Tournament Test
September 9, 2025
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The seventh-ranked Colby Community College volleyball team hits the road this week for a challenging stretch of competition. The Trojans open with a conference matchup at Hutchinson Community College on Wednesday (Sept. 10) at 6 p.m. inside the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Colby then heads west to Sterling, Colo., for the Northeastern JC Tournament, where they will face Casper College and No. 15 New Mexico Military Institute on Friday (Sept. 12) before returning to action on Saturday (Sept. 13) against No. 9 Odessa College and Western Nebraska Community College.

Colby enters the week at 8-2 (2-0 KJCCC) after sweeping a pair of conference opponents at the Colby Event Center. The Trojans' attack is powered by sophomore outside hitter Karlotta Kattai, who has already tallied 137 kills while averaging 4.57 per set—the second-highest mark in the nation. Kattai also sparks the service game, leading Colby with 19 aces through the first 10 matches. Orchestrating the offense is setter Amanda Caputi, whose 337 assists (11.2 per set) lead the NJCAA by nearly a full set per match.

On the defensive side, libero Anita Ferri has anchored the back row with a team-high 114 digs, ranking fifth in the KJCCC at 3.80 per set. At the net, middle blocker Chiara Binda has been a force with 27 blocks while also boasting a .290 hitting percentage, fifth-best in the conference. 

Hutchinson (5-4, 1-1 KJCCC) comes in with momentum after sweeping Pratt to open conference play. Hutchinson averages 10.69 kills per set on a .161 hitting percentage, relying on balanced production across its rotation. Offensively, the pace is set by outside hitter Alondra Villanueva, who has recorded 97 kills (3.46 per set) to lead the team's scoring. At the setter position, Alexandra Garcia has been the primary distributor, notching 160 assists (8.0 per set). Defensively, the Dragons are anchored by libero Clara Oliveira, whose 129 digs give them stability in the back row. At the net, middle blocker Mattie Galliher provides presence with 15 blocks, all assisted, helping Hutchinson slow opposing attacks.

Casper sits at 8-5 to start the week. Casper opened the season red-hot, winning its first eight matches before stumbling into a four-match losing streak. Colby was the first team to hand the Thunderbirds a loss during a preseason tournament, and Casper will be looking to avenge that setback this weekend. Despite recent struggles, the T-Birds have proven to be a high-volume attacking team, averaging 11.74 kills per set on .168 hitting. Outside hitter Peyton Carruth has been the go-to option, compiling 137 kills (3.42 per set) while shouldering much of the offensive load. Casper features a two-setter system, with Penina Leota leading the charge at 316 assists but supported by a secondary option who also provides over 100 assists. 

No. 15 New Mexico Military Institute comes into the week 9-4 overall.  The Broncos bring one of the toughest resumes in the field, already having faced seven nationally ranked opponents in non-conference play. They enter the weekend with a .196 hitting percentage and 598 kills as a team, showcasing balance and depth across their lineup. Outside hitter Michelle Mlikan is the team's leading scorer with 145 kills (3.02 per set), giving NMMI a steady offensive weapon. Running the attack is setter Tessa Watson, who has tallied 298 assists (6.21 per set), keeping the Broncos' offense organized and versatile. 

No. 9 Odessa is off to a hot start with a record of 11-1 overall. The Wranglers enter Sterling as one of the hottest teams in the NJCAA, with their only blemish a narrow five-set loss to No. 8 Blinn College. Odessa is unbeaten in neutral-site matches (8-0) and has leaned on efficiency and balance to post a .202 hitting percentage with 561 total kills. Outside hitter Fabiana Rivero leads the charge with 145 kills (3.09 per set), giving Odessa a reliable scorer on the outside. At the setter spot, Anna Mahler has been exceptional, dishing out 314 assists and averaging over eight per set to keep the Wranglers' attack flowing. 

Western Nebraska has endured a difficult start to the season at 2-11, but the Cougars enter the weekend with some momentum after winning two of their last three matches. Offensively, WNCC has totaled 403 kills on a .074 hitting percentage, with the scoring load carried by the duo of Dani Cruz (93 kills) and Kyana Gabriel (88 kills), who provide a steady one-two punch at the net. The Cougars split setting duties between Allie Twamley and Natalie Malinowska, both surpassing 100 assists on the year. While efficiency has been a challenge, Western Nebraska's recent progress suggests a team starting to find its rhythm.

With a perfect start in conference play and eight sweeps already on the season, the No. 7 Trojans enter the week looking to extend their momentum against a mix of league competition and nationally ranked foes. After this tough stretch, the team will return home to host formally ranked Dodge City on Wednesday (Sept. 17). 

Live Video (Hutchinson)

Live Video (Casper)

Live Video (NMMI)

Live Video (Odessa)

Live Video (WNCC)