PARK CITY, Kan. — A great semi-final game against Kansas Wesleyan University brought the Bluejays to Hartman Arena on Monday, March 4th to play in the championship game. The Jays took on the University of Saint Mary and won the KCAC Championship Game, 72-71.

Head Coach Shawn Reed said, "Wow! What an incredible game by both teams! First, I want to recognize Andy Kelley and the Saint Mary Spires. They have an amazing team and both times we have played them this year we have gone to overtime. Tanea Sims is a fantastic player and I think everyone could see tonight why she was voted KCAC Player of the Year. This game was played at a very high level by both teams and we are honored and humbled to earn this victory and be named KCAC Tournament Champions!"

The starters for the Bluejays included Ja'Neysha Hendricks, Teegan Werth, Kassidy Beam, Madie McCoy, and Alyvia Owens. 

It was the Bluejays to score first in the first quarter but it didn't take the Spires long to score and make it a close game, 11-10 Bluejays. "In the first half, I was very pleased with our defensive effort for the most part. I thought we guarded the ball well and our help defense and rebounding were also strong. We created some turnovers which we needed because those extra possessions proved important when we went around seven minutes without a basket in the second quarter," said Reed.

The Bluejays got out to a lead in the second quarter and didn't look back, 27-18. Coach included, "We made a little run late in the second quarter and I thought Alicia Baker made two huge plays for us right before half that helped us secure a 27-18 lead heading into the break."

After the half, the Spires got a quick bucket to get going but couldn't get in close enough to stop the Bluejay, 45-35. "In the third quarter, I felt our offensive productivity was good but our defense started to slip toward the middle of the quarter. By the end of the third, Saint Mary was having some success by putting Delgado and Sims in some high-ball screen actions and we really struggled to guard that for a period of time. We still managed to lead by 10 points following the third quarter but we knew that wasn't enough versus a team like Saint Mary," explained Coach Reed.

It was a Spires fourth quarter as they closed the gap to get the Bluejays in hand reach and took the game to overtime, 60-60. "In the fourth quarter, Sims really started to take over and we again struggled at times to score. We missed some shots in the paint and free throws became an issue as well and you could feel Saint Mary gaining confidence as the score got closer. I thought Kloe Bowin gave us some really strong defensive minutes on Sims in the fourth quarter (and overtime) which helped us get some periodic stops and slow St. Mary's advance." Coach mentioned. "Despite our struggles and giving up an 11-point lead, we had an opportunity to win it in regulation but Madie's shot came up a little short so we headed to overtime."

In overtime, Saint Mary got out to lead but the Bluejays got back in it quickly and won the KCAC Championship Game, 72-71. Coach continued, "In overtime, we got down pretty quickly and again missed some nice shots and free-throw attempts while struggling to stop Saint Mary on the other end of the floor. When we were down five with around 3 minutes left and Saint Mary had the ball I was really worried but we managed to make up some ground thanks to Madie making two huge three-point shots and Teegan making two free throws. Kloe's came in during that stretch and gave us some great minutes defensively as well and we managed to get some stops."

"Ja'Neysha did an amazing job on the play we ran. We were trying to flash Madie behind the defense and she got held and caught up in some traffic but that actually created an opening for J to drive and get all the way to the rim for a basket. In the final play of the game Madie and Miyah did a tremendous job of playing with active hands which forced Sims to take a rushed shot and Lillie Veer had a HUGE rebound for us that sealed the victory," Reed voiced. 

"We could not be more proud of this team and what they have accomplished so far this season! To win both championships in the same year is a very difficult task and they have achieved that feat. We look forward to playing in the NAIA national tournament next week and we will find out who we play on Thursday evening," Reed stated. 

With excitement, Coach Reed said, "On behalf of our team, I would also like to thank the tremendous crowd we had at Hartman Arena. It was obvious that their support was a part of our victory and we appreciate everyone who showed up and cheered us on to victory! We have the best fans in the KCAC and a special shout-out to our student section! Your enthusiasm was infectious and we love the energy you bring to our team! Thank you!"

The Bluejays will move on to play in the NAIA National Tournament the week of March 10-16th. Who they play will be announced on Thursday, March 7th.

Be sure to stay updated 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).