NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – For those familiar with small college basketball in the state of Kansas, Wednesday's contests between Tabor and Bethel are so much more than the game that is played on the hardwood. The two schools have had a fierce rivalry both inside and outside of athletics, as Bethel College was founded by a group that has turned into the Mennonite Church USA, while Tabor College was founded by the group now known as the Mennonite Brethren. Since 1962, Bluejay Women's Basketball has faced the Threshers 113 times and Wednesday evening marks the next chapter in the story of this historic rivalry.
 
LAST TIME OUT

• Fell on the road at Ottawa on Saturday, 67-61
• Tayton Smith led the team offensively, recording 16 points and 13 total rebounds (five offensive, eight defensive) in the loss
• The Bluejays shot 43.6% (24-55) from the field and 16.7% (2-12) from beyond the arc, while shooting 78.6% (11-14) from the charity stripe
• TC scored seven points off turnovers, while committing 12 turnovers of their own

 
LAST TIME AGAINST THE THRESHERS

• Last met on February 19^th, 2025, in North Newton
• Bethel completed their regular season sweep of the Bluejays, 60-57
• Of the returners, Caryn Yoder recorded 12 points for Bethel, while Lillie Veer scored 11 points for the Bluejays

 
SCOUTING THE THRESHERS

• 9-7 overall record, 6-4 record in KCAC play
• Dropped a close game on the road at Saint Mary on Saturday, 85-75
• Kendall Locke currently leads Bethel in scoring, averaging 19.5 points per game, while Madyson McKinzie (14.5 points per game) and Karlee Locke (14.1 points per game) are also averaging double figures
• Kendall Locke's 26 points were a team high in Saturday's loss

 
SERIES HISTORY VS BETHEL

• Dates back to 1962, with 113 total meetings
• The Threshers won the first meeting in 1962, 39-25
• Tabor currently leads the series, 67-46
• The Bluejays' largest margin of victory came in 1982 with a 46-point win, 76-30

 
OUTLOOK

• The Bluejays will be more than eager to get back in the win column against their bitter rivals. As always, Wednesday's contest should be incredible competitive and fun to watch.

 
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).