Colby Softball Finds Its Stride, Wins 5 of 6 Behind Carter, Cheney, Hills

The Colby High School girls softball team continues to build momentum midway through the season, putting together an impressive 6-game stretch that pushed their overall record to 11-3. Over that span, the Lady Eagles navigated a competitive slate that included a split with Garden City before rattling off four straight wins with sweeps of Scott City and Hugoton.

Colby’s week-and-a-half run showcased both resilience and growth. After opening the stretch with a tightly contested 7-6 win over Garden City, the Eagles struggled defensively in the second game of the doubleheader, falling 16-8. The split ultimately served as a turning point, as Colby cleaned up its play and found consistency in both the circle and at the plate in the games that followed.

Against Scott City, Colby demonstrated its ability to win in multiple ways. The first game of the doubleheader featured timely hitting and strong pitching to secure a 6-3 victory. In the nightcap, the Eagles showed grit in a marathon extra-inning battle, outlasting Scott City 3-2. That game in particular highlighted Colby’s composure, as the team executed in key moments late to secure the sweep.

The momentum carried into the Hugoton series, where Colby turned in its most dominant performance of the stretch. The Eagles overwhelmed Hugoton with a 13-2 victory in the opener and followed it with a decisive 14-0 shutout in game two. The offensive production surged during the series, while the pitching staff locked down opposing hitters to complete the sweep in convincing fashion.

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Over the six-game run, several players elevated their play, but three individuals stood out as the most impactful performers.

Leading the way was Ryler Carter, who delivered a complete all-around performance. Carter was dominant in the circle, logging multiple complete games and piling up strikeouts, including a 15-strikeout performance against Hugoton. She consistently controlled games from the mound while also contributing offensively, recording multiple multi-hit games, driving in runs, and even adding power with a home run during the Scott City series. Her ability to influence the game in every phase made her the most valuable player over the stretch.

Sadie Cheney also turned in a standout performance, emerging as Colby’s most explosive offensive threat. Cheney delivered in big moments, including a grand slam against Scott City and a home run against Hugoton. She consistently drove in runs, highlighted by a six-RBI performance in the Hugoton opener. Beyond the power numbers, Cheney contributed with timely hits and aggressive base running, helping spark the Eagles’ offensive surge.

Morgan Hills rounded out the top three with a steady and productive stretch at the top of the lineup. Hills consistently got on base and set the tone for the offense, compiling multiple multi-hit games while scoring runs in key situations. Her ability to create scoring opportunities and apply pressure on opposing defenses played a critical role in Colby’s success, particularly during the Hugoton sweep where she tallied four hits and three RBIs in one game alone.

As a team, the Eagles showed clear progression throughout the six-game stretch. Early defensive miscues against Garden City gave way to cleaner play, while the pitching staff settled into a rhythm and the offense became more balanced and efficient. Colby’s ability to respond after adversity and string together four consecutive wins speaks to the team’s growth and potential heading deeper into the season.

The Lady Eagles will look to carry that momentum forward as they host Haskell County on April 24, with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m.

by Derek White