Comets Shine Across Homecoming Week with Softball Sweep and Strong Performances Across Programs

NEVADA, Mo. — Cottey College Athletics celebrated Homecoming Week with a full slate of competition, highlighted by a dominant four-game softball sweep, competitive flag football matchups, and strong individual performances from the golf program.

Softball Dominates Homecoming Series

Cottey softball delivered an impressive weekend performance, going 4-0 across a pair of doubleheaders.

The Comets opened Saturday with a commanding sweep of Harris-Stowe, winning 14-1 and 18-0. In game one, Carissa Camaclang went a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBIs, while Halen Hoelzeman added a home run and three RBIs. Grayce Taylor also drove in three runs, and Addison Tippie earned the win in the circle, allowing just one run and striking out five.

Cottey followed with an offensive explosion in game two, totaling 16 hits in an 18-0 victory. Halen Hoelzeman led with five RBIs, while Makayla Snyder added three RBIs and Alehsandra Martinez recorded three hits. In the circle, Tatianna Colegrove and Angelica Tello combined for a shutout, striking out 10 batters.

The Comets continued their momentum on Sunday with two wins over UHSP. In game one, Cottey secured a 6-5 victory behind a standout performance from Amelia Gassman, who drove in four runs and hit two home runs. Carissa Camaclang also homered, while Addison Tippie pitched a complete game.

Cottey completed the sweep with a 5-4 comeback victory in game two. After an early deficit, the Comets responded behind home runs from Amelia Gassman and Grayce Taylor, while Tatianna Colegrove went the distance to earn the win.

Across the four games, Cottey scored 43 runs, showcasing depth throughout the lineup and consistency in the circle.

Flag Football Battles Through Two Contests

Cottey flag football competed in two matchups during the week.

The Comets traveled to face Graceland, falling 51-7. Raniya Griffin led the offense with 152 passing yards, while Dominique Derraco-Franklin and Xitlali Botts were key contributors in the passing game. Defensively, Botts recorded 14 tackles and added an interception return.

Cottey returned home to face Pratt Community College in a closely contested 14-12 game. Griffin threw for 165 yards and two touchdowns, both connecting with Karol Key, while Jonalynn Tolentino added 111 receiving yards. Defensively, Monica Blanc led the Comets with nine tackles, and Griffin recorded two interceptions.

Golf Records Personal Bests at WWU Spring Invite

Cottey golf also competed at the WWU Spring Invite, highlighted by several standout individual performances.

Ellie LaNear led the way with a single-round personal best of 96 in round one and recorded her first collegiate birdie on the par-4 17th hole, repeating the feat in round two.

Vanessa Nail posted both a single-round personal best (99) and a tournament best score of 198.

Allyssa Crutcher recorded a notable highlight with a birdie over the water on the par-3 fourth hole in round two, while Audrey Robison improved her score by two strokes in the second round.

The tournament also marked the collegiate debut of CJ Richards, adding to a strong showing for the Comets.

Coming Up This Week

Cottey Athletics will look to carry the momentum from a successful Homecoming Week into the next stretch of competition.

• Esports – vs. Hill College, Monday, March 30 at 7:30 PM
• Golf – Competing at the William Woods Spring Invitational in Fulton, Missouri at the Tanglewood Golf Course, Monday and Tuesday, March 30 and 31 (DAY 2 CANCELLED FOR WEATHER)
• Flag Football – home vs. Baker University, Wednesday, April 1 at 6:00 PM then at home Saturday, March 28 (CANCELLED FOR WEATHER) vs. Kansas Wesleyan University at 1:00 PM and vs. Hesston College at 3:00 PM
• Softball – on the road vs. Stephens College, Thursday, April 2 at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM (CANCELLED FOR WEATHER) and vs. Hannibal La-Grange University, Saturday, April 4 at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM
• Track & Field – Competing at the Friends University Spring Invitational, Friday, April 3 and at the Pittsburg State Gorilla Classic, Saturday, April 4