The Kansas City Kansas Community College softball team faced off against Coffeyville Community College in a doubleheader on Saturday, experiencing a loss in the first game before bouncing back with a strong victory in the second.
In the first game, KCKCC fell to Coffeyville with a final score of 6-1. The team struggled offensively, managing only four hits, including a home run, while unable to recover from the Red Ravens' early five-run lead in the first inning. Rebecca Castillo started for the Blue Devils, pitching for 0.2 innings allowing five hits and four earned runs without issuing any walks or recording strikeouts. Gabby Pemberton came in as relief, delivering a commendable performance by pitching 6.1 innings, allowing only one earned run on six hits and striking out one batter, effectively stabilizing the defense following Castillo's early exit.
Austyn Hartman made a significant impact by hitting a home run, driving in one run, and scoring once. Mary Stephens contributed with one hit and stole a base, and Paige Smith also added one hit and successfully stole a base.
In the second game, KCKCC bounced back with a decisive 8-0 victory over the Red Ravens. The Blue Devils showcased a powerful offense, securing the win with 12 hits, including another home run. Pitcher Alaina Mendez excelled in the circle, throwing a complete-game shutout over 6.0 innings allowing just two hits, striking out three batters, and issuing only one walk. Mendez's performance was crucial in keeping the Red Ravens scoreless, showcasing her ability to maintain control and limit base runners, allowing only one hit batter throughout the game.
Stephens had a standout performance, recording three hits, including a home run, along with three RBIs and two stolen bases. Brenli Baker also contributed significantly with two hits and one RBI, while drawing a walk.
The Blue Devils enter postseason as the No.3 seed and will take on the No.6 Thunderbirds at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6 in the opening round of the 2026 NJCAA Region VI DII Softball Tournament at the JCCC Softball Field in Overland Park, Kan. The double elimination tournament starts on Wednesday and will wrap up either Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon.