HILLSBORO, Kan. (TaborBluejays.com) – After facing a tough Friends team on Wednesday night, the Lady Bluejays returned home to Hillsboro on Saturday evening to host the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes, who currently sit at the top of the conference in wins.
Kansas Wesleyan entered the contest with an overall record of 19-4 and a conference record of 15-2, leading the KCAC. The Lady Coyotes secured a thrilling victory over York on Wednesday and aimed to carry that momentum into their matchup against the Bluejays this weekend. After a nine-point loss to Friends earlier in the week, Tabor was eager to secure a victory against Kansas Wesleyan, a team they had fallen to earlier in the season.
The Coyotes were the first to put up a score, sinking a three-pointer just a few seconds into the game. Kloe Bowin was the first on the scoreboard for the Bluejays, and she also recorded two blocks along with one steal just two minutes into the game. Following a few unsuccessful possessions for the Bluejays, KWU took a nine-point lead and forced the Bluejays to tighten up on the offensive side. At the end of the first quarter, the Bluejays trailed 17-22.
Three minutes into the second quarter, Kassidy Beam sank two free throws, marking the first points of the period for either team. Miyah McGee put up three points of her own, along with a solid defensive steal. Tabor managed to put up just 11 points in the second quarter but held Kansas Wesleyan to only seven. The Coyotes were shooting just 25% from the field at this point. Going into the half, the Bluejays trailed the Coyotes by one point, 28-29.
A handful of Bluejays contributed on offense in the third quarter, including a few clutch free throws by Alyvia Owens. It quickly became a back-and-forth battle between the two teams with Tabor leading by two points going into the fourth.
Lillie Veer, along with Owens, stood out in the last ten minutes of regulation. The excitement intensified as both teams exchanged leads for the rest of the game. With three seconds remaining, a successful free throw by KWU tied the game at 58-58.
Overtime proved to be just as intense, with each team putting up solid shots on both ends of the court. Several Bluejays contributed to the offensive output during these last moments as well. Tabor took the lead, while the Coyotes had no choice but to start fouling in hopes of getting the ball back. The Lady Bluejays successfully made all seven free throws, leading to a 75-68 victory over Kansas Wesleyan as the buzzer sounded. Tabor shot 100% from the field and the free throw line during overtime, which played a crucial role in their much-needed victory over the Coyotes.
Bowin led the team with 22 points, followed by Veer with 14, while McGee and Owens each contributed 12 points. As a team, Tabor managed to rack up five blocks and seven steals. Free throws played a key role in the Bluejays’ victory, as they successfully made 22 while shooting 71% from the line.
“It was a tremendous win over a very talented, experienced and well coached KWU team,” exclaimed Head Coach Shawn Reed. “I thought each team fought hard at both ends of the court and it was a great game! We have a lot of respect for Kansas Wesleyan and to earn a victory over them says a lot about our team.”
“We were really pleased with our defensive effort in the second quarter after struggling a ton in the first ten minutes of the game. It was positive to see our group bounce back and dig in after a slow start on the defensive end of the court.”
“Overall, we allowed them too many quality three point looks but we did keep KWU off the free-throw line and we managed to contest a lot of shots at the rim.”
“Offensively, we played a very efficient game outside of the second quarter. I thought our post players did an excellent job of anchoring at the rim, and we were able to attack the basket and get to the free-throw line. I’m not sure if I have ever coached a team that shot 100% in an overtime period! We scored as many points in a shortened five-minute period as we did in our highest regular quarter which is crazy.”
“We had so many players who played well for us tonight that it’s hard to single anyone out, but I thought Kloe and Alyvia really were key to our victory. They played so well offensively, and they also did some positive things on defense around the rim. Lillie hit some big mid-range jump shots for us, and I thought Miyah had a great bounce back game and she made some key plays.”
“Overall, it was a wonderful team win but we have two huge games next week versus Bethany and Saint Mary which will also be strong tests for our squad. We are excited that both games are at home, and we hope people will come out and support our team!”
The Lady Bluejays will be back on their home court next Wednesday to take on Bethany College. Tabor lost a close game to the Swedes just one short month ago (61-66) and will look to claim victory this time in Hillsboro. Bethany will enter the contest with an overall record of 13-11 and a conference record of 11-7. Tabor moves on to a 15-8 overall record and a 13-5 conference record with this win against Kansas Wesleyan.
Be sure to stay up to date with all information regarding Bluejay Athletics by following us on X at @gotaborbluejays, on Instagram and Facebook @taborbluejays, and on our official athletic website, taborbluejays.com.
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).
