OSKALOOSA, Iowa     On day two of the William Penn Labor Day Tournament, the Bluejays took the court versus Graceland University and William Penn University, following their 1-1 record from day one. 

The first match started strong for Tabor, winning the first set 25-23. The Graceland Yellowjackets fought back by winning two of the next three sets by scores of 26-24, 23-25, and 25-22. The Bluejays seized the win in set five, taking the final set 15-11.

Key players for the match included outside hitter Fiona Sampaio with 19 kills, setter Emma Rhodes with 51 assists and 7 kills, and libero Kenna Brandes with 25 digs. 

"Saturday morning we started off with a bit more energy and played hard through the end to win in five. The ladies showed they can overcome some adversity in winning their first five-setter of the season. We played a number of five-setters in 2022 but could never finish. These ladies have tremendous resiliency and it is showing at the beginning of the season," Head Coach Casey Quiggle said.

The last match for the Tabor Bluejays was against William Penn University. It started off rough for Tabor during the first two sets, falling in both by double digits, 25-15 and 25-13. After a quick huddle before sets three and four, the Bluejays came on top 25-15 and 25-13, taking them to the decisive fifth set. Tabor fought until the end but ended up losing the final set 15-3.

"The ladies worked hard throughout the weekend and we came away 2-2 on the weekend. It was good to see the fight in the ladies as they avenged last weekend's loss against Graceland in a hard-fought five-setter on Saturday. Even though we lost to William Penn, it was really good to see the ladies work together to overcome an 0-2 start and push that match to a fifth set," Quiggle said.

Players that starred in the final match were Rhodes with 39 assists, 15 digs, and 6 kills, Sampaio with 13 kills, opposite hitter Sydney Biggs with 12 kills, and Brandes with 30 digs. 

"Our stellar defense is led by Kenna Brandes, Tori Maldonado, and Naera Tschus. Our setter (Emma Rhodes) has played every single minute of the season. She carries a heavy workload, to say the least. Fiona Sampaio and Sydney Biggs have also stepped up and are carrying the majority of the workload playing OH."

After an even weekend in Iowa, the Bluejays will prepare for their first home game against Baker University, on Thursday, September 7th at 7 pm.

Tabor College is a Christ-centered institution located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Bluejays are members of the NAIA and compete in the KCAC.