Kearney Powers Past Liberty North Eagles 12-3

Kate Landewee delivered a standout performance for Kearney, earning the win after four hitless, scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and three walks. Photo by David Haggart.

The Kearney softball team took home a decisive 12-3 victory over the Liberty North Varsity Eagles on Monday, October 13, fueled by an explosive third inning that saw the Bulldogs score seven runs. This brings the end of the regular season for the Bulldogs who netted their 4th straight Suburban Blue Conference Championship which makes it a perfect 4 for 4 for 9 senior bulldog players.

Liberty North struck first in the second inning when Avary Sharpnack hit a two-run shot to center field, putting the Eagles on the board early. The Eagles added another run in the third after Alex Couch singled to center field, but Kearney was quick to respond and seize the momentum.

Kearney answered in the third inning with Brooke Paalhar blasting a home run to center field, driving in three runs. Moments later, Kate Stumpenhaus sent a homer to left field, adding two more to the tally, and Ellie Switzer capped the rally with another home run to center, scoring two more for Kearney.

The action didn’t stop there. In the bottom of the fifth, Alyssa Quick launched a solo home run to center, further extending Kearney’s lead and energizing the home crowd.

On the mound, Kate Landewee delivered a standout performance for Kearney, earning the win after four hitless, scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and three walks. Reghan Lueken started for the Bulldogs, pitching three innings and allowing two hits and three runs while striking out four. Liberty North’s Endsley Lierman took the loss, giving up seven runs—four earned—on five hits across two and two-thirds innings.

The Bulldogs finished the game with 10 hits. Brooke Paalhar was a key contributor, going 2-for-4 and driving in three runs. Quick, Paalhar, and Kennedi Casey each collected two hits for the Bulldogs. Kearney’s defense was flawless, with no errors committed, and Caroline Jury led the team with 13 chances in the field.

For Liberty North, Sharpnack was a bright spot in the lineup, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs, while Couch added a hit and Addie Schneider drew two walks. The Eagles showed patience at the plate, working five walks over the course of the game.

The Bulldogs move past the first round of District Postseason play with a bye but will play the winner of the William Chrisman/Winnetonka Quarterfinal game on Saturday, October 18, at noon at William Chrisman High School, 1223 N Noland Rd, Independence, MO. Live coverage will begin on 102.7FM KPGZ at approximately 11:30 am, weather permitting.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.