It was a difficult opening night of conference play for the Red Ravens, as both teams suffer their first loss of the season to the rival Butler Grizzlies at Nellis Hall.

 

The Lady Ravens got out to an early 25-17 lead, but shot just 11% from the field in the second half, falling to Butler 55-45. Assistant Coach Sam Steinmeyer says this was a valuable lesson for the team to improve physicality.

 

Esme Smith finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Karliey Parker had 12 points on four made 3-point shots. Steinmeyer says a key will be to move on to the next one quickly.

 

The men would suffer their first defeat as well, falling to Butler 98-75. Coffeyville struggled with the Butler press defense, committing 31 turnovers and shooting just 20% from 3-point range. Assistant Coach John Weigner says it's crucial to learn lessons from this one.

 

Rashid Kuta finished with 19 points, while Konstantin Popovic had 13, and Wamba Ngouateu had 11. Kuta says the newcomers to this roster got their first taste of the intensity of this conference.

 

The Red Ravens will be back at home on Saturday, looking to pick up their first conference wins against the Independence Pirates.