HILLSBORO, Kan. – Following a tough series loss to Avila over the weekend, the Lady Bluejays returned to their home field to host the University of Saint Mary Spires on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon. 
 
Their previous contest with Avila showed great promise despite the Eagles' comeback wins in both games. Looking forward to Tuesday, Tabor aimed to play with a strongly disciplined defense and looked to get the bats going early on. 
 
Going into the doubleheader with the Spires, Tabor held an overall record of 13-10 and a conference record of 4-4. Saint Mary entered with an overall record of 14-12 and a KCAC record of 2-6. Holding an eight-game winning streak over the Spires prior to this doubleheader, the Bluejays looked to extend that streak with a couple of midweek victories. 
 
GAME ONE: W 6-4
 
The contest started with Saint Mary taking an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, as Jessica Strandlund delivered an RBI single. However, the Bluejays responded in the bottom of the second when Reyna Enriquez's RBI single and a defensive error allowed them to gain a 2-1 lead.

Saint Mary briefly tied the game at 2-2 in the third inning with an RBI single, but Tabor quickly regained control in the bottom of the frame. Candince Moreno-Hairabedian's three-run homer to left center field provided the Bluejays with a commanding 5-2 advantage. Despite Saint Mary narrowing the gap to 5-4 in the sixth inning due to defensive miscues, Tabor added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth with Cheyenne Washington's RBI double, securing the final 6-4 scoreline.

Strong defensive plays in the seventh inning helped the Bluejays hold onto their lead. Alexis McDaniel's single provided Saint Mary with a late scoring opportunity, but she was picked off to end the game. Tabor's combination of timely hitting and defensive execution allowed them to emerge victorious in the first game of the doubleheader.

GAME TWO: W 10-2
 
The Bluejays wasted no time setting the tone, as Moreno-Hairabedian crushed another three-run home run in the first inning to give Tabor an early lead. Saint Mary struggled to generate offense in the first two innings but finally broke through in the third. However, Tabor quickly shut down any momentum, responding in the bottom half with a two-run home run from Washington to extend their lead to 5-2.
 
The Bluejays continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues and clutch hitting. After a series of singles and an error, they plated four more runs, widening the gap to 9-2. Saint Mary struggled to regain their footing, managing just four total hits in the game and failing to generate any runs beyond the third inning. Their offense stagnated against Tabor's strong pitching and defense, with several batters striking out or grounding into easy outs. Despite getting runners on base in the fifth, the Spires couldn't convert, leaving two stranded and allowing Tabor to maintain firm control.

In the bottom of the sixth, Darcy Gillen put the game away with a solo home run to left center, enforcing the run-rule and sealing the 10-2 victory for Tabor. The Bluejays' offense was relentless, producing 10 hits, including two home runs, while Madison Nelson kept Saint Mary at bay with a composed and effective outing. Tabor's ability to capitalize on mistakes and execute in key moments made the difference, as they outplayed the Spires in nearly every facet of the game.

This weekend, Tabor will face Evangel University for another KCAC matchup on their home field. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. with game two following shortly after around 3 p.m. With these wins against the Spires, Tabor moves to a 15-10 overall record and a 6-4 record in KCAC play. The Valor will enter the contest with an overall record of 24-6 and a conference record of 8-2 on the season. 

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).