Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 BRANSON, Mo.  – Following their regular season performance, the Lady Bluejays clinched the No. 7 seed in the 2025 KCAC Softball Tournament held in Branson, Mo. Their last regular season doubleheader resulted in a series sweep over Bethel College, putting Tabor at a conference record of 14-12 going into the tournament. 

Friends secured the top seed entering the tournament, with Evangel, Avila, Ottawa, Oklahoma Wesleyan, and Sterling following in the standings. Tabor held steady in seventh, while Kansas Wesleyan claimed the final tournament spot at No. 8.

The Bluejays were set to face No. 2 Evangel in their opening game in Branson on Tuesday, but severe weather forced the postponement of the first round until Wednesday. Earlier this season, Tabor dropped both games to the Valor on their home field. Tabor looked to take advantage of Evangel's late season struggles as they faced off in the first game.

GAME ONE VS. EVANGEL: L, 1-3

After a weather delay pushed the game to Wednesday, both teams started off strong defensively, keeping the score tied at zero through the first inning. Tabor showed composure early, with clean fielding and solid pitching that held Evangel scoreless through their first three at-bats.

Evangel broke through in the bottom of the second with a trio of runs, capitalizing on timely hits and aggressive base running. However, Tabor responded in the third with a burst of energy, sparked by back-to-back hits from Payten Staley and Reyna Enriquez. A sacrifice fly from Darcy Gillen brought in a run, showing the Bluejays' ability to manufacture offense and keep pressure on their opponent. Mylee Milne also contributed with a multi-hit performance, including a key double in the fourth inning that nearly set the stage for a comeback.

The Bluejay defense settled in after the second inning, shutting out Evangel the rest of the way and giving the offense multiple chances to close the gap. However, Tabor couldn't make the comeback and ultimately took the opening round loss. This loss sent the Bluejays to the loser's bracket, where they would later face No. 6 Sterling College in the second game of their postseason run. 

GAME TWO VS. STERLING: L, 0-4

Sterling jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first, capitalizing on a pair of wild pitches and a solo home run to take a 2–0 advantage. Despite the early setback, Tabor responded with poise in the bottom of the inning, loading the bases with two outs. However, a deep flyout ended the rally, leaving three runners stranded.

Throughout the middle innings, Tabor's defense and pitching held strong, allowing just one run across the next five frames. The Bluejays created multiple scoring opportunities, highlighted by a two-hit fifth inning and a sixth inning rally that loaded the bases once again. Standout performances came from Gillen, who collected three hits on the day, and Enriquez, who added another single to keep the offense moving. The game was halted in the top of the sixth inning due to lightning and severe weather, with the remainder resuming on Thursday morning.

Despite consistent pressure and a fresh new day of softball, the big hit to crack through Sterling's defense proved elusive for the Bluejays. Sterling added a final insurance run in the seventh, but the Bluejays continued to show resilience. While the offense was unable to capitalize on their chances, Tabor left 10 runners on base—evidence of their ability to get runners aboard and challenge the opposition. Though the result wasn't in their favor, the Bluejays demonstrated grit, depth in their lineup, and an unrelenting effort that bodes well for future postseason contests.

SEASON RECAP

With the loss to Sterling, the Bluejays concluded their season with an overall record of 23-20. Tabor finished the year with a team batting average of .306, a slugging percentage of .455, and a .376 on base percentage. In 43 games, Tabor scored a total of 242 runs, along with 35 home runs on the season. 

Cheyenne Washington had a standout season at the plate, hitting a solid .416 with 57 hits and totaling 56 RBIs, along with 12 home runs of her own. Washington was a force at first base as well, recording 288 putouts for the Bluejay defense this season. Washington was awarded KCAC Third Team honors this season as well. 

Darcy Gillen finished the season batting .396 and following closely behind Washington with 47 RBIs in 134 at bats. Gillen led the team in stolen bases with seven throughout the season. Gillen was awarded KCAC First Team honors as well as the Gold Glove award for her performance at shortstop this season. 

Marisa Carranza and Madison Nelson formed a strong pitching duo for the Bluejays this season. Carranza logged 107 innings and ended the year with a 4.06 ERA and 49 strikeouts, earning KCAC Third Team recognition for her efforts. Nelson, in her first season with the team, impressed with a 2.47 ERA over 99 innings and recorded 61 strikeouts in a standout debut campaign.

Candince Moreno-Hairabedian, the lone freshman hailing from Reedley, California, made a strong impact in her debut season both at the plate and behind the dish. She finished the year with a .329 batting average, tallying 23 RBIs and 10 extra-base hits. Defensively, the first-year catcher posted a .982 fielding percentage and recorded 95 putouts. Her all-around performance earned her a spot on the KCAC Third Team in her inaugural season as a Bluejay.

Payten Staley, Mylee Milne, and Lauren Roberts were key contributors to the Bluejays' offensive success this season, while Reese Hefley and Dessa Zavala also came through with several timely at-bats.

The Lady Bluejays capped off a strong 2025 season with a spirited showing in the KCAC Tournament, despite an early exit at the hands of Evangel and Sterling. Their 23-20 overall record, highlighted by a potent offense and resilient defense, showcased the depth and determination of a team built on consistent contributions across the lineup. While the postseason didn't yield the results they hoped for, the Bluejays' grit, offensive firepower, and emerging contributors point toward continued success in seasons to come.