Trojans’ Memorable Season Ends Just Shy of Nationals

HAYS — The Colby Community College volleyball team’s remarkable 2025 campaign came to a close on November 9th, at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, as the 13th-ranked Trojans fell to No. 5 Barton Community College in a five-set thriller during the Plains District Championship. Despite the heartbreak of coming up just short of a national tournament berth, Colby finishes its season with an outstanding 24-7 record and a second-place regional finish.

The Trojans pushed Barton to the limit before falling 25-14, 22-25, 25-21, 20-25, 18-20 in one of the tournament’s most competitive matches. Colby’s effort reflected the grit and balance that defined its season, with contributions across the roster from both veterans and freshmen.

Sophomore outside hitter Karlotta Kattai led the Trojans with 19 kills, adding 11 digs and two aces. Freshman middle hitter Isadora Carrareto was a steady presence at the net, tallying 11 kills with a .320 hitting percentage and seven total blocks. Setter Amanda Caputi orchestrated the offense brilliantly once again, recording 58 assists, five service aces, and 16 digs.

On the defensive end, libero Anita Ferri anchored the back row with a team-high 23 digs, while Ella Dridi and Isabella Martins combined for 25 kills and 11 total blocks. Freshman Lena Mihaljica also provided a spark with nine kills and two service aces.

The Trojans earned their way into the title match with a 3-1 semifinal victory over Hutchinson Community College, marking their third win of the season over the Blue Dragons. Kattai again paced the offense with 17 kills, while Dridi collected 24 digs and seven kills. Carrareto hit .421 with nine kills and three blocks, and Caputi handed out 40 assists with three aces and three kills in the victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Colby swept Seward County in straight sets to open postseason play, setting up their semifinal showdown with Hutchinson.

Although the Trojans’ strong postseason push ultimately fell short of an NJCAA at-large bid, the season stands as one of the most successful under head coach Carey Jones, who has built the program into a consistent national contender. Colby finished undefeated at home (9-0), second in the Jayhawk Conference with a 14-2 record, and closed the year ranked among the top 15 teams in the nation.

The 2025 roster, composed largely of international standouts and regional freshmen talent, showed remarkable chemistry throughout the year. From the leadership of sophomores like Kattai, Caputi, and Chiara Binda, to the emergence of young players such as Carrareto and Dridi, the Trojans’ depth and teamwork carried them through one of the program’s most competitive seasons to date.

While the season ends one step short of the NJCAA National Tournament, the Trojans’ 24-win season, top-15 national ranking, and deep regional run cement Colby Community College’s place among the elite volleyball programs in the Jayhawk Conference — and promise an even brighter 2026 ahead.