Softball Game Preview: Kearney Bearcats vs. Hastings Tigers

Kearney is 1-9 against Hastings since September of 2018 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Tuesday. The Bearcats will be playing in front of their home fans against the Tigers at 6:30 p.m. Kearney is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last four games.

Kearney came out on top against Lincoln Southeast on Monday thanks in part to the team's impressive nine-run fourth inning. The Bearcats put the hurt on the Knights with a sharp 13-1 victory. The result was nothing new for the Bearcats, who have now won 16 games by six runs or more so far this season.

The team relied heavily on Lauren Schmeits, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That home run was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Zia Shafer, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.

They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Kearney kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 20 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in September of 2024.

Meanwhile, Hastings faced Northwest in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Saturday. The Tigers lost 9-2 to the Vikings.

BROOKE OCHSNER was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run, two RBI, and one double.

Kearney's win bumped their record up to 20-9. As for Hastings, their defeat dropped their record down to 19-7.

Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Kearney hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .412. However, it's not like Hastings struggles in that department as they've averaged .323. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.