Team of the Week: Kearney softball

KEARNEY,  Mo. — Kearney High’s softball superstars are becoming queens in their sport.

The Bulldogs, who’ve posted a 27-5 record as of Tuesday, have a powerful offense, averaging eight runs per game, and a team batting average of .385.

“There is some buzz about Kearney softball,” Katelyn Birchfield, eighth-year Bulldogs coach, said.

Birchfield remains confident but cautious. Her program swung its way to a Missouri Class Four state championship in 2022, and a third-place finish at state last year.

“I definitely think they have that potential to go back to state again this year. We have a lot of great competition we’ll see along the way, so the kids are going to have to keep playing well and still have that spark they’ve had all season,” Birchfield said on Tuesday.

Big bats are boosting the Bulldogs. This ballclub has scored at least eight runs 12 times on the season. Kearney entered Tuesday’s action with 90 wins over the past three seasons, using offense as its best weapon.

“We’re not out of it. If we have an out left, we’re still in the game always. We’re always threatening other teams, no matter what the score is,” Macy Morrow, Bulldogs Senior Centerfielder, said.

“No matter the score, no matter the count, no matter the outs, we’re trying to produce and we’re trying to win,” Brooke Paahlar, Bulldogs Junior Shortstop, said.

Pitching with power is also leading this team to wins. As a staff, Kearney’s earned run average is a solid 2.40. This year’s roster has only three seniors too, so keeping this momentum alive is a strong possibility.

Kearney is currently playing in the Missouri Class Four district playoffs. Those games are being played at Winnetonka High School.

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