Final: Columbia 77, Cottey 44

Cottey stepped into Columbia on Thursday night facing one of the toughest environments in the AMC, and the undefeated Cougars showed exactly why they sit atop the league. Columbia's size, pace, and perimeter shooting set the tone early, handing the Comets a 77–44 loss despite several strong individual efforts from Cottey's young roster.

First Half

Columbia came out firing, hitting five threes in the opening quarter and building a 25–10 lead. Cottey responded with a more composed second frame—Andrea Aragon and Ava Maner found rhythm on the perimeter, and Riley Essenpries provided steady interior play—but Columbia's depth kept the margin from shrinking. The Comets trailed 44–25 at the break.

Second Half

Cottey continued to compete through the third, with Brecklen Morrison giving the Comets a spark off the bench and Maner knocking down her third three of the night. But Columbia's ball movement and rebounding advantage (51–29) allowed the Cougars to steadily extend their lead. A 15–7 fourth quarter closed out the game as Columbia remained unbeaten in conference play.

Cottey College Highlights

• Ava Maner led the Comets with 11 points, hitting 3 threes and adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists in a strong all‑around performance.

• Andrea Aragon added 7 points and 5 rebounds, knocking down a three and providing steady minutes on both ends.

• Brecklen Morrison contributed 7 points off the bench, giving Cottey needed scoring in the second half.

• Riley Essenpries was efficient and active, finishing 4 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block on perfect shooting.

• AuShae Farris added 7 points, including a three and two free throws.

Cottey finished the night shooting 32.7% from the field and 31.6% from three, while Columbia's 13 made threes and +22 rebounding margin proved too much to overcome.