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. 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.

Bulldogs Storm Back in Thrilling Victory Over Blue Springs

The Kearney Bulldogs delivered an electrifying performance Wednesday, September 3, rallying from a six-run deficit to topple the Blue Springs Wildcats, 9-6. The home crowd was treated to a display of resilience and power that epitomizes the Bulldog spirit.

On the mound, right-hander Reghan Lueken battled through adversity, pitching a complete game.

Things looked uncertain in the early innings as Blue Springs surged ahead, capitalizing on timely hits and Kearney miscues to build a 6-0 advantage by the middle of the third. The Wildcats’ Raygan Misenhelter sparked the scoring in the second with an RBI single, followed by a costly error that brought three more runners across the plate. Camryn Hoehns added an RBI double, and Mackenzie Turney launched a solo homer in the third, putting the Bulldogs in a deep hole.

But Kearney’s bats refused to stay silent. The Bulldogs began chipping away at the deficit in the bottom of the fourth, ignited by Morgan Pennington’s towering solo homerun to left. Moments later, Ellie Switzer electrified the ballpark with a two-run blast to center, narrowing the gap to 6-4 and shifting the game’s momentum.

With the Bulldogs’ confidence building, Brooke Paalhar delivered a standout performance at the plate, going 3 for 4 and spearheading the comeback. In the fifth inning, Paalhar crushed a solo homer to left, tying the game at 6-6 after a clutch double from Caroline Jury. The Bulldogs smelled victory.

The decisive blow came in the sixth, as Paalhar doubled again to set the table, and Alyssa Quick followed with another double, driving in the go-ahead runs. Before the inning was over, Kearney had stormed ahead, 9-6, and the dugout erupted in cheers.

On the mound, right-hander Reghan Lueken battled through adversity, pitching a complete game. Lueken scattered 11 hits across seven innings, allowing six runs (four earned), striking out two, and walking two. Her determination kept the Wildcats at bay when it mattered most.

Offensively, Kearney racked up 13 hits on the night. Paalhar, Switzer, and Quick each drove in two runs, while Pennington, Jury, and Kennedi Casey joined the multi-hit parade. The Bulldogs also flashed their defensive skills, turning a key double play to thwart a potential Blue Springs rally.

With the comeback win, the Kearney Bulldogs demonstrated tenacity, depth, and heart. The Bulldogs are now 4-2 on the season.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Fall to Belton in Quarterfinals

The Varsity Bulldog Softball team ended their season in a heartbreaking loss to the Belton Pirates in the State Quarterfinal game of Class 4 on Saturday October 26. The final score was 1-0.

The Bulldogs and pirates both played solid defense and allowed no runs until the top of the 7th inning. Belton designated player Corabelle Newman hit a solo homerun from a Kate Landewee fast ball to give the Pirates the only run in the game.

Kate Landewee pitched all 7 innings and recorded 21 outs. She only gave up one run on four hits, struck out 12, and had no walks. Leadoff hitter Macy Morrow led the Kearney Bulldogs with two hits in four at bats.

Kearney had an amazing year, breaking the school record of wins on the season with 30 games won. Alyssa Quick and Jocelyn were tied for the most homeruns this season with 6. Brooke Paalhar had 3, and Morgan Pennington made 2 homeruns. Kate Landewee, Kate Stumpenhaus, Caroline Jury, Ryleigh Van Emmerik and Reghan Lueken each had 1 homerun this season.

The Bulldogs won in District 8 and were Conference champions this year.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.