Seeing that stabbing at Homer's head wasn't doing much, and noticing him going for his shovel, Kirstin changed tactics. She would attempt to grab Homer's head and smash it into the wall, to daze him, then stab him in the chest. Her blade emitted a dull glow, its penetrative ability somewhat higher than most swords.
Unlike Homer, Kirstin's primary method of combat was CQC. Her body, hidden under her layers, was quite muscular, and she had experience fighting opponents in close quarters.
If Homer managed to get his shovel out before Kirstin could kill him, she would try to stop his swings by grabbing his wrist with her free hand.