The Tabor Bluejays faced a challenging start to the 2026 volleyball season against MidAmerica Nazarene, ultimately losing 3-1 in their opener. After a tough first set, the Bluejays rallied to win the second set 25-22, leveraging strong performances from Esther Nederveen and Camila Mendes Toledo, who combined for 24 kills. Despite a strong showing, the Bluejays struggled to maintain momentum in the third and fourth sets, leading to the loss. Annerieke Nederveen recorded an impressive 30 assists, marking her fifth-highest assist game in her career. The Bluejays look to bounce back at the Hampton Inn Classic in Columbia, Mo. on Friday.

By the Numbers
  • Esther Nederveen led all players with 14 kills.
  • Annerieke Nederveen recorded 30 assists, the fifth-highest total in her career.
Yes, But

While the Bluejays showed resilience in winning the second set, their inability to secure a win in the subsequent sets raises concerns about consistency and performance under pressure against challenging opponents.

State of Play
  • The Bluejays have faced MidAmerica Nazarene multiple times, signaling a competitive rivalry.
  • Despite losing, the Bluejays showed potential with notable individual performances from its players.
What's Next

The Bluejays will seek to regroup and improve as they head to Columbia, Mo. to compete in the Hampton Inn Classic, where they will face additional opportunities to demonstrate their skills and teamwork.

Bottom Line

The Bluejays displayed flashes of talent in their season opener, particularly with standout performances, but must work on maintaining consistency and closing out matches to compete effectively this season.