Seward hands Lady Trojans first conference loss

In a battle of two nationally ranked teams Saturday at the Colby Community Building, No. 20 Colby Community College fell to No. 9 Seward County in three sets, 25-15, 25-15 and 25-14. It was the first Jayhawk Conference loss for the Lady Trojans.

The early minutes of the first set were close through the first six points until Seward built a cushion with an 8-3 run. Some Colby miscues and Seward solid play allowed the lead to expand further before ending at 25-15.

Both teams traded points through the first eight points in the second set, but the Lady Saints (17-1, 7-0) clamped down for another run. Defensively, they shut down the Lady Trojans and finished again with a 10-point set win.

The closest Colby could get in the final set was three. Seward jumped out to a 6-0 lead, and later put together another 6-0 run before closing out the sweep, 25-14.

The game was unusual for the Lady Trojans. Seward's front line held Colby to a hitting percentage of .091, well below their .228 season average. A bright spot was Karleeann Ramos, who contributed 10 kills.

Each of Colby's three defeats this season have come against ranked teams. Prior to Saturday's loss, the Lady Trojans dropped games to Western Nebraska Community College, now No. 4, and third ranked Division II Central Community College (Neb.).

Colby (16-3, 6-1) will play again Wednesday at 6:30 when they host Garden City (3-15, 1-4) at the Colby Community Building.