Lamar edges Trojans

In a rematch against Lamar Community College, the Colby Community College women's basketball team came up short in an exciting 62-57 loss Thursday at the Otero Junior College Classic in La Junta, Colo.  

The Trojans, who suffered a home 79-56 defeat to the Lopes on Nov. 5, started slowly again and fell into a 17-6 first-quarter hole. They drew closer in the second quarter and trailed 31-23 at the half. In the process, however, CCC lost freshman guard Arielle Davis after she collided with Lamar's Jolee Ortiz with 29 seconds to go. Davis left the game and did not return.

As they have done in previous games this season, the Trojans made adjustments at halftime and played at a higher level in the third quarter, outscoring the Lopes 22-8 and taking a 45-39 lead heading into the final frame. Colby led by eight with 9:25 in the game, but a persistent Lopes squad chipped away and held on for the win.

"It was a game to watch!" said CCC Assistant Coach Jareica Hughes. "We saw them rebound, play as a team to fiercely protect the ball, and defend."

Ri'yah Francis had a team-high 15 points and eight rebounds, and Aaliyah Chambers added 12 points. The Trojans were strong on the glass, with Kali Snow grabbing 12 rebounds to go with eight points. Ileah Beh also collected eight boards.

Colby returns to action Friday at 6 p.m. against host Otero College. The live broadcast is available on the Otero Rattlers YouTube channel.