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.

Bulldogs Trounce Griffins 54-7

Kearney scored 40 points in the first half in a conference win over Winnetonka. The 8-0 Bulldogs can secure the Suburban Blue Conference championship with a win over their next opponent, 2-6 Excelsior Springs.

Dryden Hendrix carries a Winnetonka Defender into the endzone for a bulldog touchdown. Photo: Eric Stevens.

“That's a much-improved team from what we've seen in the past,” said Kearney head coach Logan Minnick. “Our kids came in with the mentality we had to out physical those guys. Hats off to Winnetonka. They're having one of the best years they've had in a while.”

In their last two outings, the Bulldogs have been dominant on offense, defense and special teams. The 5-3 Griffins were averaging over 33 points per game with four shutouts coming into the contest.

The Bulldog offense continues to be a proven scoring threat in the waning minutes before halftime. With 2:03 to play in the first half, a Carter Temple, to Sam Way, to Dryden Hendrix, hook-and-ladder play gave Kearney a 33-7 lead, followed immediately by a Matthew Lindsey 3-yard touchdown run at the 1:32 mark, giving Kearney a commanding 40-7 halftime advantage.

Kearney racked up 267 yards rushing and Carter Temple was 6 of 6 for 156 yards passing as the defense held Winnetonka to 14 rushing yards and 91 passing.

“I’m just proud of the way our kids played all three phases,” said Minnick. “I thought that was huge because they can score from anywhere. Anytime you hold a team averaging  that many points to seven, you feel good.”

In special teams play, Conner Reid blocked a punt that put Kearney in easy scoring position. Defensively, Kale Tucking and Isaac Beaver both had quarterback sacks.

“I thought we had a great night on special teams getting the onside kick and we had a blocked punt there,” added Minnick. “Then, offensively we were really efficient and physical running football.”

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.