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. 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.