Bulldog Legacy Sealed with Grit, Pride, and Class

The Kearney Bulldogs showcased extraordinary heart and determination in their nail-biting matchup against the Father Tolton Trailblazers, ultimately coming just short in a dramatic 2-1 finish on Friday, October 31. With the game knotted at one run each heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, Kearney’s resilience pushed the contest to the final play, where the Trailblazers managed to edge ahead with a walk-off single from Kenadie May.

2025 Bulldog Softball Team - 2nd Place. Photo Submitted by Katelyn Birchfield.

Throughout the season, Kearney demonstrated the strength and unity of a truly exceptional team, smashing several school records along the way. Kate Landewee set a new high for strikeouts in a season, Alyssa Quick broke the single-season home run record, and Brooke Paalhar established new marks for career hits, doubles, and RBIs. The Bulldogs also made history with their record 31 wins, underscoring the talent and drive of this remarkable squad.

The game itself was a masterclass in pitching, with Father Tolton’s staff collecting 12 strikeouts and Kearney’s hurlers close behind with 11. The tension mounted until the sixth inning, when the Bulldogs struck first—Kennedi Casey doubled, sending home Ellie Switzer with Kearney’s lone run and giving the team a well-earned lead.

Even as Father Tolton responded in the bottom of the sixth, Kearney remained undaunted. Alexis Sexauer’s single tied the game, setting up an electrifying seventh inning. Kearney’s athletes rose to the occasion, battling fiercely until the very last pitch.

Both teams were anchored by standout performances in the circle. Bella Trim secured the win for the Trailblazers with a complete game, but Kearney’s Kate Landewee matched her stride for stride, pitching six and two-thirds innings and allowing only four hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out 11. The defensive effort from the Bulldogs was equally impressive, with players Brooke Paalhar and Kennedi Casey leading the offense and delivering key at-bats.

Father Tolton’s defense was sharp, but Kearney’s determination never wavered. Despite the heartbreak of a last-moment finish, the Bulldogs’ grit and accomplishments throughout the season have established them as one of the school’s most memorable teams. Their resilience, teamwork, and record-breaking performances will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Quick’s Power and Landewee’s Dominance Propel Bulldogs to State Final

Alyssa Quick powered the Kearney Bulldogs to a decisive 9-0 victory over the St. Francis Borgia Varsity Knights Thursday, October 30, delivering two home runs and collecting four runs batted in.

2025 Bulldog Softball. Photo by Ray Weikal.

Quick’s first blast came in the fourth inning, a solo shot to left field that ignited a rally for the Bulldogs. She struck again in the sixth, launching a three-run homer to center and helping Kearney seal the win.

Pitcher Kate Landewee was again unstoppable from the circle, tossing a complete seven-inning shutout. The right-hander racked up an impressive 18 strikeouts, holding the Knights’ offense to just two hits and never allowing them to mount a threat.

The Bulldogs broke open a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth. Quick led off with her solo homer, setting the tone for the inning. Soon after, Kate Stumpenhaus added a two-run homer to center, widening the gap, and Ellie Switzer followed with a single to drive in another run. By inning’s end, Kearney held a 4-0 lead.

Kearney’s offense erupted again in the sixth. Kennedi Casey contributed a run-scoring single before Quick’s second home run cleared the bases, pushing the Bulldogs’ advantage to 9-0. The Bulldogs finished the day with 12 hits, including multi-hit performances from Morgan Pennington and Stumpenhaus.

For St. Francis Borgia, right-hander Eve Schmelz took the loss, pitching four innings and yielding four runs (three earned) on six hits. Despite her efforts, the Knights’ offense couldn’t break through Landewee’s dominant outing, managing only two hits—one apiece from Clara Nowak and Stella Hancock.

With the win, Kearney High School Varsity showcased both power at the plate and command in the circle, delivering a statement performance as they continue to the Class 4 State Final game at 12:45 pm tomorrow.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Earns Shutout Victory Over Belton Pirates

The Kearney Bulldogs softball team claimed a decisive 7-0 win against the Belton Pirates on Saturday October 25, powered by a stellar performance from pitcher Kate Landewee. Landewee threw a complete game shutout, holding Belton scoreless and demonstrating exceptional control throughout the matchup.

The second inning proved pivotal, with Kearney’s offense erupting for five runs. Caroline Jury sparked the rally with a single that drove in two. Reese Narron followed with an RBI single, and Brooke Paalhar drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in another run. The scoring continued when Alyssa Quick hit into a fielder’s choice, allowing one more run to cross the plate.

Belton’s pitcher, Courtney Bandy, took the loss after three and one-third innings of work. She allowed seven runs—only two of which were earned—on six hits, striking out one batter and issuing four walks during her time in the circle.

Kearney’s lineup showed impressive depth, highlighted by number seven hitter Chloe Garrett, who led the team with two hits in three at bats. Jury and Paalhar each drove in two runs, helping to cement the team’s dominant offensive showing. Patience at the plate also paid off for Kearney, as the team drew six walks, with Paalhar and Narron each earning two free passes.

For Belton, Aryana Roberts and Delilah Miles provided some offensive sparks, collecting one hit apiece while batting back-to-back in the lineup. The Pirates also executed a double play in the game, showcasing their defensive skills despite the loss.

Kearney’s strong pitching and timely hitting proved to be the difference, with Landewee’s shutout anchoring the team’s success. The victory highlights the depth and discipline of the Bulldogs as they continue to build momentum this season and travel to Springfield on Thursday, October 30 to face St. Francis Borgia in the State Semifinal game.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Secure Fourth District Title with Shutout Victory

The Kearney Bulldogs clinched their fourth consecutive district championship on Tuesday, October 21, delivering a dominant performance against the Platte County Pirates with a 9-0 shutout victory.

Senior Alyssa Quick powered the Bulldogs’ offense, blasting two home runs and driving in four runs. Quick’s first homer came in the opening inning, sending the ball over center field and putting Kearney on the board with a two-run shot. She struck again in the third, launching another home run to center and adding two more runs to the scoreboard.

Pitcher Kate Landewee was unstoppable in the circle, throwing a complete seven-inning shutout. Landewee racked up 17 strikeouts, holding Platte County scoreless and keeping their batters off balance throughout the game. The senior pitcher also broke the Kearney High School record for single season strikeouts. The old record stood at 208. Landewee now has 225 strikeouts.

Kearney’s bats stayed hot through the early innings. In the second, Kate Stumpenhaus added to the lead with a solo home run to left field on a full count. By the end of the third inning, the Bulldogs had built a comfortable cushion, while Platte County struggled to generate offense.

Platte County pitcher Danica Salisbury took the loss, allowing seven runs on six hits over four and two-thirds innings. She struck out one and walked six. The Pirates managed only one hit during the contest, with Bryli Seifert going one-for-two at the plate.

The Bulldogs showed patience at the plate, drawing eight walks during the game. Both Quick and Caroline Jury led the team with two walks apiece. Quick and teammate Brooke Paalhar each collected two hits, helping Kearney control the tempo and keep the pressure on Platte County’s defense.

With this victory, Kearney adds another district championship to their record and moves forward with momentum into a run for the State Title. The Bulldogs will face the Belton Pirates on Saturday, October 25, in the Class 4 State Quarterfinal round.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Powerful Pitching Propels Kearney to Shutout Victory

The Kearney Bulldog softball team dominated on the diamond Saturday, shutting out the Winnetonka Griffins 10-0 behind a stellar pitching performance from Kate Landewee. The right-hander was nearly untouchable, striking out 11 batters and allowing no hits or runs over five innings, with just one walk.

Kearney’s offense wasted no time getting started, putting four runs on the board in the bottom of the first. Alyssa Quick kicked off the scoring with a sacrifice fly, followed by Morgan Pennington’s single, a walk drawn by Kate Stumpenhaus, and a line drive single from Chloe Garrett—each driving in a run.

The Bulldogs kept the pressure on in the second, tacking on two more runs thanks to a sacrifice fly by Pennington and a single down the left field line from Stumpenhaus. Their momentum continued through the third inning, where Garrett launched a solo home run to left field and Brooke Paalhar came through with a single that brought home two more runs.

Winnetonka’s Mackenzie Halderman took the loss, pitching four innings and giving up 10 runs—eight of those earned—on 10 hits, while striking out three and walking six.

Kearney racked up 10 hits throughout the game, with Paalhar leading the way at the plate, going 2-for-3 and driving in three runs. Garrett, Paalhar, and Reese Narron each collected two hits. Kennedi Casey showed patience, drawing three walks and stealing two bases. The Bulldogs’ discipline at the plate paid off, as they drew a total of six walks. Defensively, the team played error-free ball, with Caroline Jury contributing 12 plays to anchor the field.

With this win, Kearney moves to the final round of the Class 4, District 8 tournament and play the Platte County Pirates on Tuesday, October 21 at 4:30 pm.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.