Panthers Sweep Liberal Softball in Doubleheader

Great Bend's softball team dominated Liberal 9-3 and 12-0 in a doubleheader.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a softball game, with overlapping planes of bright green, blue, and red colors representing the players and field of play.The Great Bend Panthers' decisive doubleheader sweep over Liberal highlights their talent and adaptability on the softball diamond.Great Bend Today

The Great Bend Panthers softball team swept a doubleheader against the Liberal Redskins, winning the first game 9-3 and the second game 12-0. The Panthers' pitcher Chayla Turner overcame an issue with the pitching distance being too close, making adjustments to still pitch a complete game in the first contest. Great Bend's offense also adjusted to the closer pitching distance, driving the ball to right field to collect 11 hits in the opener. In the second game, the Panthers jumped out to an 8-0 lead after four innings and closed out the run-rule victory in the fifth.

Why it matters

This sweep keeps the Panthers undefeated on the season and demonstrates their ability to overcome adversity and make in-game adjustments. The lopsided scores also highlight the talent gap between the two programs, with Great Bend asserting its dominance in the Western Kansas softball landscape.

The details

In the first game, Great Bend jumped out to a 5-0 lead after two innings. The Panthers' pitcher Chayla Turner struggled early with the pitching distance being too close, but she made the necessary adjustments to pitch a complete game. Great Bend's offense also adapted, driving the ball to right field to collect 11 hits. In the second game, the Panthers exploded for an 8-0 lead after four innings and closed out the run-rule victory in the fifth. Freshman Baze Hogan hit an inside-the-park home run for Great Bend.

  • The doubleheader took place on April 10, 2026.
  • In the first game, Great Bend scored 5 runs in the first two innings.
  • In the second game, Great Bend scored 8 runs in the first 4 innings.

The players

Chayla Turner

The Great Bend pitcher who overcame an issue with the pitching distance being too close to pitch a complete game in the first contest.

Baze Hogan

A Great Bend freshman who hit an inside-the-park home run in the second game of the doubleheader.

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What they’re saying

“From the start Brae said there was something wrong with the pitching distance. A pitcher just knows. It wasn't until after the complete game, that we actually went and looked at, and confirmed 100% it was too close!!!”

— Chayla Turner, Great Bend Pitcher

“I cant begin to tell you how proud i am if her for fighting through that adversity… for a fastball pitcher, thats a huge advantage to be three foot closer, but when you spin the ball like Turner does, there is not enough time for the spin to overtake gravity!! So location is thrown off, and you have to adjust.. which she did an amazing job of…”

— Chayla Turner, Great Bend Pitcher

What’s next

The Panthers will look to continue their undefeated season as they take on their next opponent on April 15th.

The takeaway

This dominant doubleheader sweep showcases the talent and resilience of the Great Bend Panthers softball team, who were able to overcome an unusual pitching distance issue and still handily defeat their Western Kansas rival Liberal Redskins.