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.

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.