HILLSBORO, Kan. – With the first two conference games not offering a huge challenge, it was time for that to change, and change it did, as Evangel University made the long trek from Springfield, Mo. to Hillsboro. 
 
The Valor gave the Bluejays all they could handle, but Tabor ultimately prevailed in an exciting nailbiter, 60-57. Following her monster 28-point performance at Ottawa on Wednesday, Lillie Veer had another solid night on the offensive side, pouring in 15 against the Valor.
 
TC got off to a hot start, jumping out to a ten-point lead with 1:09 left in the 1^st quarter, courtesy of a gorgeous three from Alyvia Owens. A three by Evangel's Evin Montgomery and a layup at the buzzer by Micah Clayton cut TC's lead to five going into the 2^nd quarter.
 
A strong first four minutes in the 2^nd quarter saw TC once again flirting with double-digit leads, leading by 10 at two different points. EU found their way back withing one point, giving the Bluejays a brief scare. At the end of the first half, Tabor held a narrow three-point lead, 30-27.
 
With 12 points apiece, it was a slow 3^rd quarter for both teams, but once again, Tabor continued to hold a three-point lead as the clock was reset for the final quarter of play.
 
A back-and-forth 4^th quarter saw both teams trade buckets and the Valor came within one point with 12 seconds to play, but an EU foul and two made free throws by Kassidy Beam sealed the deal and gave the Bluejays the three-point win.
 
During the game, Alyvia Owens surpassed 1,000 career points, becoming the fifth player during Head Coach Shawn Reed's tenure to achieve the accomplishment. 
 
"Our entire staff would like to congratulate Alyvia on reaching 1,000 points in her Tabor career", remarked Head Coach Shawn Reed. "Alyvia has been a consistent performer for us since she arrived in Hillsboro. She overcame a major knee injury, and it is very exciting to see her reach this milestone. A lot of work and effort went into this accomplishment, and it is very fulfilling to watch Alyvia reach this important mark in her storied career."
 
"It was a hard-fought victory over a very talented and tough Evangel team. We have played Evangel three times since they joined the KCAC last year and each game has been physical. Lately our offense has been carrying our team and tonight our efforts on the defensive end really helped us earn this win."
 
"The second half was a battle as both teams really cranked up the defensive intensity. We did an excellent job of guarding the three-point line in the second half and we were able to hold them to 34% shooting from the floor. We also kept them off the offensive glass. Our defense also created some turnovers which led to buckets which was helpful. We have two exhibition games next week against NCAA opponents. It will be a good time for us to work on some things but also take a few days off for Thanksgiving. Our team has been working hard and I know they are looking forward to a break."
 
The Lady Bluejays return to the hardwood on Tuesday as they head west to Hays to take on NCAA Division II foe Fort Hays State University in an exhibition contest.
 
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).