...and being able to stand up against our fine fighter friend
She was only able to do that with the aid of Pompey's buff spells, which probably added somewhere in the neighborhood of 4 more strength and dexterity and a +2 deflection bonus to AC, among other effects (we don't know exactly what buff spells he cast on her, but Bear's Strength, Cat's Grace, and Protection from Good are likely guesses). Once the buffs wore off, though, Roy was able to clobber her.

Then again, Roy probably also has in the neighborhood of a +4 strength bonus, plus the enhancement bonus on his sword, plus Weapon Focus and Specialization, plus Power Attack, plus whatever the heck that green glow is... Even with buffs, Sabine likely does need pretty good base stats to give him a good fight.