Hillsboro, Kan. - The Tabor College Volleyball season came to an unexpected close Friday evening at home as the KCAC regular season champs and No. 1 seeded Bluejays fell to fourth seeded Bethel College in three games, (19-25, 13-25, 17-25).

"The end of our season was unexpected and heart-breaking," said Head Coach Amy Ratzlaff. "We had been playing well and practicing hard. Sometimes in this wide, wide, world of sports things just don't go your way and Friday night was one of those nights. Everything on the court just didn't go as planned, and the harder we tried, the worse it got."

Tabor, which had swept Bethel in two meetings during the regular season, struggled to get anything going offensively or defensively, allowing the Threshers to avoided a third defeat at the hands of the Bluejays.

Offensively Tabor was led by sophomore Tina Frick (Durham, Kan.) with nine kills, while senior Ashley Cohlmia (Wichita, Kan.) added eight kills. Sophomore Mandi Phillips (Halstead, Kan.) dished out 30 assists, while sophomore Gina Hullet (Abilene, Kan.) added six kills.

Defensively the Bluejays were led by Phillips and senior Audra Schenk (Hillsboro, Kan.) both of whom had nine digs apiece.

"This was a magical season," added Ratzlaff. "Everything you hope for was packed into the last few months. We had lots of success, incredible team chemistry, undeniable support from the Tabor community and the Hillsboro community, and fans like we have never experienced.

"We also had a team that was on fire for the Lord and ministry that we were given the opportunity to experience," Ratzlaff added. "When our training began in February for the season, I could tell this was going to be a special time, and it was.The hard work and dedication from the players paid off and it is a privilege to hold onto a lifetime of unbelievable memories."

Tabor will have to replace six seniors, including KCAC Player of the Year Ashley Cohlmia, KCAC Second Team All-KCAC performer Carly Kroeker, as well as Andrea Batista, Erin Dick, Audra Schenk, and manager Brianna Unrau (Goessel, Kan.).

According to Ratzlaff, all of them will be truly missed.

"This group of six seniors were the true example of what senior leadership should be all about," Ratzlaff said. "They were every coach's dream. These captains knew what it took physically, mentally, and spiritually to have a great team, and at every turn they were committed to keeping us on track. The six knew how to embrace their teammates and yet hold us to a high standard in all aspects of team life.

"I will truly miss everything about this group," she added. "Their loyalty and commitment to our team will not be forgotten. It will shape expectations of leadership for the future."

With a solid core returning next season, including three All-KCAC performers in Frick, Hullet, and Phillips, the future looks bright for Ratzlaff and the rest of the Tabor College Bluejays.