Comets Shine Across the Board in Action-Packed Week

COTTEY COLLEGE, Mo. — It was another strong week for Cottey Athletics, highlighted by a pair of flag football victories, a dominant showing from softball, and record-setting performances from the track & field team at the UCM Mule Relays.

Flag Football Sweeps Sunday Matchups

The Comets flag football team delivered an impressive Sunday, securing wins over Texas Wesleyan (13–6) and Hendrix College.

Defense set the tone throughout both contests, turning in one of the team's most dominant performances of the season. Lalli Botts, Domo Serrano-Franklin, Gabby Burris, and Raniya Griffin each recorded interceptions, with Botts taking hers all the way back for a pick-six. The remaining takeaways helped swing momentum and set up key scoring opportunities.

Offensively, Envy Jackson hauled in her first touchdown reception of the season, while Karol Key stepped in at quarterback and made several impactful plays. Kaya Salazar was a standout on both sides of the ball, leading the team in flag pulls while emerging as a dynamic offensive weapon. Monica Blanc anchored the defensive pressure, consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks.

Softball Takes Series, Extends Strong Conference Form

The Comets softball team continued its strong run with a dominant start to the week before splitting a doubleheader against Columbia (MO).

Earlier in the week, Cottey swept Stephens College in convincing fashion, winning 9–0 and 6–3. The offense was explosive across both games, highlighted by a standout performance from Amelia Gassman, who drove in four runs in game one and tallied multiple hits throughout the series.

Grayce Taylor powered the offense with multiple home runs and RBIs across the doubleheader, while Carissa Camaclang and Makayla Snyder added key run production. In the circle, Addison Tippie and Tatianna Colegrove combined for dominant outings, including a shutout performance in game one.

Against Columbia (MO), the Comets dropped game one 2–0 despite collecting four hits, but bounced back in game two with a 3–2 win. Estelle Audette and Grayce Taylor each homered to provide the offense, while Carissa Camaclang added an RBI.

Addison Tippie earned the win in relief, shutting down Columbia over the final three innings to secure the victory.

Record-Breaking Performances at UCM Mule Relays

The Cottey track & field team put together a historic showing at the UCM Mule Relays, competing across two days of high-level competition.

Day one saw multiple record-breaking efforts. Heather Hayduk set a new school record in the javelin with a throw of 23.25 meters. On the track, Madalenn Fee delivered a standout performance in the 1500 meters, breaking the school record with a time of 4:40.25 while also taking the American Midwest Conference lead. Kate Soukup followed closely with a personal best of 4:55.88, and Liza Dirickson added another personal record in the same event.

Under the lights, the Comets opened their 10K season, with Avery Morris leading the way with a personal best of 42:39.89. She was joined by Kyndal Soukup and Arabelle McDonald in a strong distance showing.

On day two, the momentum continued. Fee, Soukup, and Joliette Johnson now hold the top three 800-meter times in the conference. Jessie Mick added a collegiate personal best in the 400 meters with a time of 62.17.

The meet concluded with the 4x400-meter relay team running 4:11.31, the fastest time in the conference this season and just two seconds shy of the school record.

Looking Ahead

• Esports – Overwatch vs. Desales University, Monday, April 13 at 7:30 PM, Playoff Game: Valorant vs. Point Park University, Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30 PM, then Playoff Game: Overwatch vs. Desales University, Thursday, April 16 at 6:00 PM.
• Flag Football – playing at HOME, vs. Baker University, Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 PM, then vs. Hesston University, Wednesday, April 15 at 6:00 PM, and finally vs. Kansas Wesleyan University, Thursday, April 16 at 4:00 PM. Then, on the road vs. University of Saint Mary, Saturday, April 18 at 1:00 PM.
• Softball – Varsity Reserve plays the VR Conference Tournament at Avila University: First round vs. Central Methodist VR, Monday, April 13 at 10:00 AM with Second round at 12:00 PM or 2:00 PM. Varsity vs. Hannibal La-Grange University, Tuesday, April 14 at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Varsity plays at HOME vs. Mission University, Friday, April 17 at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM then again at HOME vs. Central Baptist College, Saturday, April 18 at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
• Track & Field – competing at the Pittsburg State Tune-Up in Pittsburg, KS on Saturday, April 18.