HILLSBORO, Kan. (TaborBluejays.com) – Following a dominant win on the road at Southwestern on Wednesday, the Lady Bluejays returned to their home court this afternoon to face the Eagles of Oklahoma Wesleyan University. With three Bluejays scoring in double digits during Wednesday’s contest, Tabor looked to continue shooting lights out today.
Tabor was dialed in for the first seven minutes of the game, making all nine shot attempts for a perfect 100% shooting performance. Kassidy Beam and Madie McCoy combined for four three-pointers to add to the Bluejays’ 26 points in the first quarter. Gracie Alexander of the opposing Eagles scored eight of the total 15 points for OKWU during the first 10 minutes of play.
Oklahoma Wesleyan’s performance escalated in the second quarter while Tabor struggled to find a good shot until about halfway through. Lillie Veer and Miyah McGee fueled the Bluejay’s efforts until the buzzer sounded for halftime. On the other end of the court, the Eagles took advantage of fouls, sinking five of their seven free throws. At halftime, Tabor held a 10-point lead and aimed to build on their defensive strength, having secured 11 defensive boards in the first 20 minutes of play.
Early in the third, Tabor seized control of the game as Veer quickly sunk three consecutive shots. A handful of other Bluejays contributed to the lead, while Beam and Alyvia Owens grabbed a few more defensive rebounds to add to the team total. Tabor put up 20 points in the third quarter, while Oklahoma Wesleyan struggled offensively, managing only six and falling further behind, 32-56.
Alyvia Owens and Kloe Bowin put up a solid performance in the paint during the last 10 minutes of the game, while Kaylee Kauffman and Hailey Contreras contributed as well. As the buzzer sounded, the Lady Bluejays secured their third consecutive conference win, 71-41.
Along with the dominant offensive performance, Tabor recorded a total of 27 defensive rebounds and six steals. 17 of the Bluejays’ points resulted from Eagle turnovers. The team shot 54.7% from the field and 57.1% from beyond the arc. Three Bluejays scored in double figures, with Veer leading the way (16 points), Beam not far behind (15 points), and Owens also delivering a very impressive performance (13 points).
“We were very proud of our effort and execution tonight on both ends of the court,” remarked Head Coach Shawn Reed. “Our team has been working hard during the past week and a half to make changes to our practices, and we are starting to see some fruit from those efforts.”
“I thought we did a tremendous job of defending OKWU’s guards. Meely, Tillman and Richardson are as good of a perimeter trio as you will find in our league and to hold them to a total of 13 points on 4 of 19 shooting (21%) says a lot about defensive intensity and execution.”
“We were also pleased with the overall effort we gave throughout the game on the defensive end. To hold OKWU to 29.8% shooting from the floor and 41 points is tremendous. It was also great that we forced 17 turnovers and limited OKWU to five offensive rebounds.”
“Next week we have important games with McPherson on the road and Sterling at home so we will need to continue to show improvement as we quickly approach the final few weeks of the regular season.” Tabor aims to maintain their explosive shooting streak and disciplined defense next week against two competitive KCAC opponents.
Tabor’s performance in this game highlighted not only their offensive firepower but also their ability to execute under pressure. The Bluejays’ early shooting accuracy set the tone, while their defensive efforts made it difficult for the Eagles to find any rhythm. The win also showcased Tabor’s depth, with contributions from multiple players on both ends of the floor. Beam’s all-around performance, leading the team in rebounds and assists, underscored her crucial role in the team’s success. As the Bluejays continue to click offensively and tighten their defense, they are becoming a formidable force in the KCAC.
Next Wednesday, Tabor will be on the road again as they travel to their Highway 56 rival, McPherson College. The Bluejays will enter the contest with an overall record of 12-7 and 10-4 in KCAC play, while the Bulldogs will enter with an overall record of 0-20 and a 0-14 conference record.
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Tabor College is a Christ-centered institution located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Bluejays are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC).
