Bulldogs Execute Another Shutout Win

Ellie Switzer came up big with a single that cleared the bases for three runs. Photo by David Haggart.

The Kearney Bulldog Softball team delivered a commanding performance Tuesday, defeating the Excelsior Springs Tigers 7-0 behind a dominant shutout pitched by Reghan Lueken. The Bulldogs’ pitching and timely hitting kept the Tigers off the board at Kearney High School.

Kearney struck first in the opening inning when Alyssa Quick doubled to bring in two runs, setting the tone early for the Bulldogs. Quick continued her strong night in the third, blasting a solo home run over center field to extend the lead. The Bulldogs pulled away in the sixth inning, scoring four runs to secure the victory. Ellie Switzer came up big with a single that cleared the bases for three runs, while Reese Narron added another run with a single of her own.

Excelsior Springs pitcher Kayden Rogers worked six innings, allowing seven runs—four of them earned—on eight hits. Rogers struck out two and walked two in the effort, but couldn’t slow the Bulldogs’ offense.

The bottom of Kearney’s lineup came through, with Quick leading the team with three RBIs and finishing 2-for-3. Kennedi Casey also contributed, matching Quick with two hits. On the Tigers’ side, Bella Loeffert, Josie Casler, and Rogers each picked up a hit, but the team couldn’t push any runs across. Excelsior Springs did manage to turn a double play defensively, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Kearney’s momentum.

With Lueken shutting down the Tigers’ bats and the Bulldogs’ offense firing on all cylinders, Kearney earned a well-deserved shutout win to keep their season rolling. The Bulldogs are now 21-5 on the season.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Quick Hits for the Cycle, Landewee Throws No-Hitter

It was a night to remember at the diamond as Kearney High School Varsity delivered a commanding 11-0 win over the Smithville Warriors on Tuesday, marked by standout performances from Alyssa Quick and pitcher Kate Landewee.

Alyssa Quick put on a show at the plate, hitting for the cycle and powering the Bulldogs’ offense. Photo by David Haggart.

Alyssa Quick put on a show at the plate, hitting for the cycle and powering the Bulldogs’ offense. She started strong with a double in the opening frame, driving in two runs to put Kearney on the board. In the second inning, Quick crushed a home run to center field, bringing in three more runs and helping build an early lead. She added a single in the fifth and capped off her night with a triple in the sixth, completing the rare feat and keeping the momentum firmly with Kearney.

On the mound, Kate Landewee was untouchable. The Kearney ace struck out 13 batters, allowing no hits or runs over six flawless innings without issuing a single walk. Smithville’s lineup could not solve Landewee, who kept them off balance from start to finish.

Kearney’s offense was relentless, tallying 15 hits on the night. Morgan Pennington, Brooke Paalhar, Kennedi Casey, and Reese Narron each picked up multiple hits, while Paalhar also drove in a run with a single in the second. The Bulldogs added four more runs in that inning, stretching their lead and never looking back.

Defensively, Kearney was perfect, playing error-free ball. Caroline Jury led the way in the field, recording 13 chances without a misstep.

For Smithville, Nora Schoening took the loss, pitching two and two-thirds innings and giving up 10 runs on 12 hits. She finished the outing without a strikeout and walked one.

With Quick’s cycle and Landewee’s no-hitter, Kearney High School Varsity sent a clear message with their dominant performance, securing a memorable win and pursuing the Suburban Blue Conference Title for the fourth year in a row.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Casey and Landewee Lead Win Over Griffins

Casey was unstoppable at the plate, collecting three hits in four at bats. Photo: David Haggart.

Kennedi Casey and Kate Landewee had standout performances on Monday, September 22, as the Kearney Bulldog softball team cruised to a 10-0 victory over the Winnetonka Griffins.

Casey was unstoppable at the plate, collecting three hits in four at bats. She doubled in both the second and fifth innings and added a single in the fourth, driving the offense forward throughout the game.

Pitcher Kate Landewee was equally impressive, commanding the mound with 15 strikeouts. Over five innings of work, Landewee didn't allow a single hit or run, issuing just one walk in a near-perfect outing. Her dominance ensured the Griffins never gained momentum.

Kearney took control early, jumping ahead in the bottom of the second inning. Reese Narron kicked off the scoring with an RBI single, followed by Casey’s RBI double, and Alyssa Quick’s two-run single. The team built a comfortable lead and never looked back.

On the other side, Winnetonka’s Mackenzie Halderman was tagged with the loss, pitching four and one-third innings and giving up 10 runs—eight of them earned—on 11 hits. Halderman managed to strike out three and walked two, but Kearney’s lineup proved too much to handle.

Kearney racked up 12 hits overall. Casey and Narron each tallied three hits, batting back-to-back and keeping the pressure on the Griffins’ defense. Brooke Paalhar and Casey both drove in three runs, providing crucial support for the team’s offensive surge. Ellie Switzer chipped in with two hits out of three at bats.

The defense was flawless, with Kearney not committing any errors during the game. Caroline Jury anchored the field, handling 15 chances without a misstep, helping secure the shutout win. The combination of powerful hitting, dominant pitching, and precise defense resulted in a memorable game for Kearney. The Bulldogs are now 13-3 on the season.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Secure Victory with Explosive Start and Solid Pitching

The Kearney Bulldogs softball team set the tone early with a commanding five-run rally in the first inning, paving the way to an 8-1 victory over the Park Hill South Panthers on Thursday, September 11.

Caroline Jury blasted a solo home run to center field, working a seven-pitch at-bat into a highlight-reel moment for the home crowd. Photo: David Haggart

Fueled by timely hitting, the Bulldogs wasted no time establishing their lead. Alyssa Quick and Morgan Pennington each delivered run-scoring singles, while Caroline Jury doubled in another run. Bailey Sharp capped off the rally with a two-run triple, giving Kearney a 5-1 edge after the opening frame.

Though Park Hill South struck first with a run in the top of the first—courtesy of a single by Kinsey Haley—the Bulldogs’ early surge proved insurmountable.

Kearney added to their tally in the fifth inning when Caroline Jury blasted a solo home run to center field, working a seven-pitch at-bat into a highlight-reel moment for the home crowd.

On the mound, Reghan Lueken was masterful, earning the win with a complete seven-inning performance. Lueken scattered six hits, surrendered just one run, struck out six Panthers, and did not walk a single batter.

The Bulldogs’ offense was relentless, racking up 15 hits in total. Pennington, Jury, Quick, Brooke Paalhar, Reese Narron, and Sharp all collected two hits apiece. Pennington, Jury, and Sharp each drove in a pair of runs. On the basepaths, Paalhar swiped two bases, further pressuring the Panthers’ defense.

Kearney’s defense was flawless, not committing a single error. Quick led the way in the field with eight defensive chances, showcasing the team’s sure-handed play.

For the Panthers, Kinsey Haley led the offense, going 2-for-3 with their lone RBI. Macie Booth and Jolie Jones also contributed two hits each, but Park Hill South was unable to string together enough offense against Kearney’s pitching and defense.

With this win, Kearney High School Varsity continues to demonstrate their strength both at the plate and in the field, building momentum as the season progresses.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Big Bats and Sharp Defense Deliver Victory for Bulldogs

The Kearney Bulldog softball team secured an impressive victory Thursday night, defeating the Raymore-Peculiar Varsity Panthers 8-4 in a game marked by standout performances both at the plate and in the field.

Alyssa Quick launched a three-run homer to right field, hitting the scoreboard, in the very first inning. Photo by David Haggart.

Kearney wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Alyssa Quick launched a three-run homer to right field, hitting the scoreboard, in the very first inning, electrifying the home crowd and giving the Bulldogs an early edge. The Panthers responded in the top of the second with a solo shot to right field by Zariya Mabion, narrowing the gap.

The Bulldogs broke the game open in the third inning, erupting for five runs on four hits. Caroline Jury delivered a clutch double to bring in two runs, while Bailey Sharp’s fielder’s choice and a subsequent error both plated runners. Brooke Paalhar capped the inning with a sharp single, driving in another run and giving Kearney a comfortable lead.

On the mound, Quick earned the win for Kearney, pitching five and two-thirds innings while allowing just four runs on seven hits. She struck out six and walked five. Reghan Lueken came in to close out the game, earning the save. For Raymore-Peculiar, Reygan Ackley took the loss after giving up eight runs—six of them earned—on six hits over three innings.

Quick also led the Bulldogs with three RBIs. She was supported offensively by Kate Stumpenhaus and Brooke Paalhar, who each collected two hits. The Kearney defense was flawless, going error-free for the game, with Jury leading the way with six defensive plays.

With this victory, the Kearney Bulldogs are 5-2 on the season and continue to build momentum as they move deeper into the season.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.