Sports Updates

Softball Update By Shea Sutherland

The Lady Bluejays, ranking seventh in the conference preseason coaches poll, kicked off their spring games in mid-February. But the cold temperatures in Texas altered their first tournament. Originally to be located in Allen, Texas, the games were moved to Kingsville, Texas, and postponed one day. In addition, the tournament consisted of two NCAA Division II teams. This resulted in a 1-4 record for the women. The team opened their first home double-header against the University of Jamestown on March 9. Jamestown took both games overall with their heavy hitting. Continuing their pre-conference season, the team hosted Dakota State University on March 10. After losing Game 1, the girls came back to win Game 2, 9-1, in five innings. There are seven more opportunities to watch the women at home as they work toward the KCAC tournament quarterfinals in May.

Golf Update By Shea Sutherland

After bracing the rigid Kansas temperatures, both the men’s and women’s golf teams began their season in much warmer weather. The men’s team opened their spring schedule in Houston, Texas, during the first weekend of February for the Houston Classic. Tabor, along with Oklahoma Wesleyan, were two teams present from the KCAC conference. In result, Logan Matthews finished as the No. 1 bag for the Bluejays. The team placed fifth out of five teams overall. Tabor’s women’s team visited Nixa, Mo., the first weekend of this month to begin their season, placing sixth out of six teams. Valdisa Andov took fourth place individually. The women and the men kicked off their first leg of the KCAC Conference Championship on March 22 in Tulsa, Okla.

Swim Update By Layci Froese

The KCAC conference meet in Nebraska brought a close to this year’s Tabor swim season. The team is currently preparing for next season by participating in dryland practices rather than swimming in a pool. According to senior swim team member Madi Sheppard, this is intentional and the purpose is to ease back into the rhythm of practicing every day. The past season could be summarized with the word flexibility, because they had to adapt to team members being quarantined or isolated and to changing game day plans. But despite the uncertainty of sports seasons and life in general, the team was still able to excel. “I think a huge confidence booster and highlight for all of us was how we all finished at conference.” said Sheppard. “Every single person on the team cut significant times in our swims. I think that’s a pretty cool accomplishment.”

Men’s Soccer Update By Tyrel Haynes

Starting the second half their season, Tabor College men’s soccer team is facing some struggles. They took conference losses to Saint Mary and McPherson, along with a non-conference loss in a matchup against Colorado Christian. They are currently on a five-game losing streak, with their last win dating back to November. The Bluejays are currently in 11th place in the conference, a half-game behind York. Tabor lost its home game against rival Bethel College 3-2 on March 20.

Women’s Soccer Update By Emma Willison

The Tabor women’s soccer team had their first matchup of the spring season on March 2 against Ottawa, earning a tough 3-2 double-overtime win. Sydney Takash, freshman, scored two goals while Reyna Soltero (JR) scored the game-winning goal. The Lady Jays then took on Dakota Wesleyan University and secured their third straight non-conference victory. Kami Quinn, junior, had a total of six saves in goal. Macey Darrah, junior, was able to get a hold of a pass from Allison Cubbon, junior, for the game-winning goal. Tabor returned to conference play on March 10 at Bethany College but fell 1-0. The team then dropped two more conference games to Oklahoma Wesleyan and Bethel. The women’s soccer team now stands 5-5 in the KCAC.

Tennis Update By Layci Froese

Tabor’s tennis season is off to a fast start with the team playing some NCAA Division II and other non-conference NAIA teams. The women’s team of eight has two senior players, Olivia Brubacher and Ariana Miller-Wyse, both of Hesston, Kan. The men’s team of 13 also brings two senior players, Juan Ramirez of Bogotá, Colombia, and Justin Schroeder of Newton, Kan. In addition to these senior players, the team will have access to the new indoor tennis facility. “Having an indoor facility at this level of play is rare,” said Luke Rencher, Tabor’s head tennis coach. “Having indoor courts will allow us to have serious practices and matches all year long and sets us apart from our competitors.” The team began conference play and triumphed against Bethany on March 16 with the men winning 5-2 and the women 6-1.

Track Update by Jessica Klein

The Tabor Bluejays wrapped up the indoor track and field season on a high note. The men’s team finished fourth out of 12 teams at the KCAC Indoor Championships on Feb. 18-20. The women’s team also performed well, finishing fourth out of 11 teams in the conference. The women were honored with the KCAC Champions of Character Team Award for the second time after claiming the award for the cross country season. Senior Kail- eigh Dill, junior Toby Penner and freshman Tyke Owens qualified for the 56th annual NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships. The championship took place on March 3-6 in Yankton, S.D. The team has already transitioned into training for the outdoor season. The team had their first outdoor meet at Pratt Community College on March 20. They will have a meet nearly every weekend until the end of the season.

Baseball Update By Tyrel Haynes

The Tabor College baseball squad has been on a hot streak as of late, winning six out of their last seven games. The Bluejays have torn up the conference with wins over Saint Mary, Bethany and Avila, with their only loss coming from ranked McPherson. The squad had an outstanding 30-1 victory over Saint Mary. Currently, the Bluejays hold first place in the conference halfway through this young season. The Bluejays took a trip to Dallas and swept all three games against Dallas Christian College. They are to be back home for a conference matchup against Bethany College on March 30.

Women’s Basketball Update By Destiny Cooper

The Tabor women’s basketball team played in the KCAC tournament championship game against Sterling on March 1, and suffered a devastating 86-78 loss, ending their season. But the women had a phenomenal season. Head Coach Shawn Reed said that the championship game has shown them that they have improved a lot over the season and can really compete with anyone. Despite all of the challenges the team faced, such as COVID-19, Coach Reed said he believes that they all fought hard to overcome those obstacles, which made them better in the long run. The junior varsity team had an amazing season as well, finishing with a 16-5 overall record, and 15-2 in conference play. The JV team faced many COVID-19 challenges as well. “They really stepped into the roles of who was playing that night and being where they were needed,” assistant coach Kate Brickell said.

Men’s Basketball Update (154) By Avery Unruh

The Tabor College men’s basketball team played their season-ending game on Feb. 22 against Sterling College in the KCAC Conference Tournament. It was a close game with a final score of 66-72. But this loss did not define the successful season that the team displayed. After a few tough years at the bottom of the conference, the team battled for their first winning season in three years, finishing with a final record of 12 wins and 10 losses. “This season went good,” said senior guard Montel Stewart. “It was a lot better from last year, though it didn’t live up to the expectations as far as winning the KCAC Championship. But as far as improving our record and getting better as a group, it went really well.” Stewart also said that everyone needs to be on the lookout for next year, as this year was only a glimpse at what is yet to come.

Football Update By Avery Unruh

The Tabor College football team entered their spring season with a record of two wins and four losses. The team was hungry to start settling unfinished business during this unusual, separated schedule. On March 13, the team hosted Bethel College, who quickly brought Tabor’s hopes of winning to a halt. But the desire to win is still alive as Tabor prepares for future games against Ottawa University, Kansas Wesleyan and Sterling College. “Our approach has not changed,” said senior Parker Folks, who recently received the Featured Player of the Week award. “I don’t want to see much change for our next game because the team played their hearts out and I am confident we will do the same against Ottawa.” Folks said his only goal is to win games and to see the team grow closer together as a family and a brotherhood.

Volleyball Update By Eric Torrence

COVID-19 has pushed several fall sports into interterm or spring session, including Tabor’s Volleyball team. Coach MacNeill’s staff and players have embraced these challenges. Although they are playing more games than usual, their primary goal is to win their conference. They’ve had some pretty competitive sets these last few weeks. On March 13, they had a five-set match to beat Sterling College, 25-18, 16-25, 25-23, 20-25, 15-9. On March 20, they defeated the University of St. Mary 3-1, but fell to Friends University 2-3. One thing for certain is Tabor is going out there with much tenacity. Regardless of how sporadic schedules are being moved around, MacNeill feels having players that want to get better daily helps the morale of Tabor volleyball. The Tabor Bluejays KCAC record is 21-5, and they are sitting in third place in the conference. The KCAC playoffs start on March 27.