KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Bluejays were on the road all week, they got a road win at York University. The following Saturday, Feb. 3rd the ladies traveled to Avila University hoping to add another win to their record. The Bluejays had great team chemistry and pulled out a win, 63-45.

Head Coach Shawn Reed said, "Overall, it was the most complete performance we've had in a while, especially at the offensive end of the court. I liked our execution and the pace we played. Anytime that 17 of your 25 made field goals are assisted, that is a positive sign that you are finding the right players at the right time and situation."

The starters included senior guard Ja'Neysha Hendricks, junior guards Teegan Werth and Kassidy Beam, senior guard/forward Madie McCoy, and senior forward Alyvia Owens. 

The first quarter for the Bluejays looked good, jumping ahead after hitting a three and staying ahead, 15-9. "In the first quarter, we came out and got some really good looks and our offensive efficiency was excellent. I also thought our defensive effort was solid. It was important for us to get off to a solid start on the road and I was proud of our team for making that happen," said Reed.

In the second quarter, the Bluejays never let up. The ladies had great ball movement and found the open shots, 36-23. "Our defensive effort was not solid in the second quarter but our offensive production was outstanding. Anytime you shoot 80% in a quarter you are doing some things well. We struggled guarding Pinkston during that quarter but she is a very good player and you have to give her credit for getting to her spots and making shots," explained Coach. 

The ladies came out hot after the half, hitting a shot within 20 seconds of the third quarter starting, 54-35. Coach Reed continued, "In the third quarter, we again played well offensively and I thought we improved defensively, especially on Pinkston. We also did a tremendous job in that quarter of playing without fouling and contesting Avila's three-point attempts."

In the fourth quarter, the Bluejays played great defense and ended up winning 63-45. "Our offensive production dropped in the fourth quarter but our defensive effort was very strong. We fouled a little more than I would have liked but overall we had good rotations and made it difficult for Avila to get uncontested looks," stated Coach. 

Coach Reed exclaimed, "Alyvia played a very efficient game for us inside. She posted well, and we found her and delivered passes that honored her work inside and led to some easy finishes for her. It was great to see those positive connections between our guards and interior players because we have been working on those scenarios in practice!"

"Teegan, Madie, and Lillie all shot really well from the perimeter. Teegan and Madie have struggled a little lately but everyone on our team knows they are excellent shooters and we were happy to see them get back on track," continued Reed. "Miyah and Lillie played great off the bench, and both of them reached double figures with 10 points each. I was proud of our bench in general. I thought those players gave us some really solid minutes at both ends of the court and they outscored Avila's bench 28-6."

"We have an important week ahead of us as we host Sterling before traveling to OKWU. Sterling is playing really well and almost pulled off a big win at Saint Mary earlier this week. OKWU is probably one of the toughest places to play in the KCAC so both games will be challenging. Our group will need to continue to stack good days together if we hope to compete with both opponents next week," Coach Reed finished. 

After this win, the Bluejays overall record moves to 18-4 and 15-1 in conference. The ladies are home in Hillsboro, Kansas on Wednesday, February 7th to take on Sterling College at 6 p.m.

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).