BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com

LIBERAL — Great Bend's softball team started the road doubleheader singing the National Anthem after a sound system issue and closed out Liberal 9-3 and 12-0.

Defending champion Great Bend (11-0, 5-0 WAC) stayed unbeaten to sweep the 3-game series from Liberal (2-6, 0-4 WAC).

The Panthers adjusted to a pitching distance measured at 40 feet rather the traditional high school distance of 43 feet.

PANTHERS 9, LIBERAL 3 (G1) — Pitcher Braelyn Turner (6-0, 2.41 ERA) started with five no-hit innings, but knew the distance was off with six walks and 50 balls.

"Brae knew something was wrong with the pitching distance," said Panther coach Shawn Behr. "When you spin the ball like Turner, there's not enough time for the spin to overtake gravity. We confirmed 100% that it was too close."

Turner finished the 103-pitch outing despite her control issues.

"She adjusted, but was frustrated and a little tired," Behr said. "She dug deep and closed out the game."

Kya Behr (.622) and Katherine Mazouch (.395) each drove home three runs.

Denver Ringo (.448) and Camdyn Post each drove a run home.

The Panther batters adjusted after two shutout innings.

"We got sawed off with fastballs that got on you quick," said Behr. "The girls backed off the plate, and drove everything to right field and got 11 hits."

Mazouch's 2-run single scored three runs when the ball was misplayed in a 5-run third inning. Behr and Ringo added RBI.

PANTHERS 12, LIBERAL 0 (G2) — Post (.410) ripped a 3-run triple for four unearned runs after Chayla Prendergast reached first base on a third strike.

Baze Hogan sprinted around the bases for a 2-run homer to key an 8-run third inning. Koelsch and Post also drove home runs.

"Our secret weapon freshman Hogan, drilled a ball in the gap and showed she can fly with an inside-the-park home run," Behr said. "We pressed to get a run-rule."

With impending weather moving in, the Panthers intentionally ended the fifth inning on three pitches by stepping out of the batter's box.

Prendergast (5-0, 1.35) with 25 strikeouts in 32 innings threw a 1-hit shutout.

"Chayla made a veteran move, took her time between pitches, and got dialed in," Behr said. "She was effective and dominant in the circle."

Great Bend 005 301 0 — 9 11 1

Liberal 000 001 2 — 3 3 2

Turner and Koelsch. Carter, Champion (4) and Lyon. W—Turner, 6-0. L—Carter. 2B—GB—Post. 3B—GB—Behr, Ringo, Mazouch.

Great Bend 048 00 — 12 7 0

Liberal 000 00 — 0 1 5

Prendergast and Koelsch. Lyon Champion (3), Carter (4) and W—Prendergast, 5-0. L—Lyon. 2B—GB—Koelsch 2, Post. 3B—GB—Behr, Prendergast. HR—Hogan.