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Pioneer Softball Tournament Champs!

8/30/2022

by Bianca Hoy
  The Pioneer Softball team went undefeated in the Omaha South Tournament last Thursday and Friday, bringing home the championship plaque to Nebraska City. In their first game against Omaha Bryan, Emerson Becker was on the mound and surrendered only one run on one hit over four innings, striking out four batters and walking one. Defensively, the Pioneers didn’t commit a single error. Bianca Hoy, Emma Cowden, Emilee Marth, and Lexi Southard all had multiple hits for the Pioneers. Hoy went 3 for 3 at the plate to lead the Pioneers in hits.
  The Pioneers defeated Omaha Central 10-3 in the championship game. Rylee Packett, Abby Hodges, Hanna Marth, Hoy, and E. Marth all drove in runs in the game.
  Becker, started the game and surrendered one run on two hits over two innings, striking out two. Lextyn Harker threw three innings in relief out of the bullpen. The Pioneers committed no errors in the field and stole 5 bases during the game as two players stole more than one.
The Pioneers’ next game is at home vs Elkhorn, JV at 5:30 with Varsity at 6:00PM. Followed by the Auburn tournament on Saturday Sept. 3 with their first game against Auburn at 9:00AM. Go Pioneers!!

Pioneer Softball Cruises to Win

8/24/2022

Last night, the Pioneer softball team defeated the Ralston Rams 10-2 in five innings pushing their record to 5-1 on the season. Emerson Becker picked up the win having 7 strikeouts and allowing 5 hits. Emilee Marth led the Pioneers at the plate going 3/3 with 2 RBIs. Sydnee Nickels added two hits and also picked up 2 RBIs. Lexi Southard and Bianca Hoy both went 2/3 with Southard also hit 2 runs in.
When asked what led to the win, Hoy commented, “It was our hitting and defense that were the keys to our success.”
The Pioneers head to the Omaha South Tournament on Thursday and Friday where they are favorites with the #1 seed. Marth said, “I feel pretty confident that we should do well and hopefully come out on top.

Pioneer Softball is Ready to Roll

8/16/2022

The Pioneer Softball Team will start their season with a busy week where they start by traveling to compete against Omaha Mercy on Tuesday, August 15. They will continue their busy week as they also travel to Falls City on Thursday and then head to the Milford Tournament on Saturday.
The Pioneer team includes seven seniors: Emilee Marth, Sydnee Nickels, Bianca Hoy, Emma Cowden. Abby Hodges, Lexi Southard, and Mellicha Vasser.
This years Pioneer team will be working hard this year to top their previous season where they went 18-9, and they are optimistic this goal will be reached under the guidance of Coach VonFeldt.
Senior, Bianca Hoy stated that “She is pretty excited to play with the team”, also “a little nervous but it’s just the jitters.” Emma Cowden, Senior commented “This year I want to work on being a leader to the other girls.” The Pioneer softball team will be led by a tremendous group of Seniors and they are ready to roll!

Pioneer Bats Explode in Win

9/21/2021

Six hits from Emma Smailys helped lead the Pioneers past the Conestoga Cougars 20-6 on Monday. Smailys singled in the first, doubled in the third, singled in the fourth, singled in the fifth, tripled in the seventh, and doubled in the seventh.

Both offenses were strong at the plate as the Pioneers collected 25 hits and while the Cougars recorded six of their own in the high-scoring affair

The Cougars got on the board in the second inning when McAndrew homered on a 0-1 count, scoring two runs.

The Pioneers pulled away for good with five runs in the fourth inning. In the fourth inning Gracie Wurtele doubled on a 1-1 count, scoring three runs, Smailys singled on a 2-0 count, scoring one run, and an error scored one run for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers put up 11 runs in the seventh inning. Smailys, Emilee Marth, Bianca Hoy, Kendyl Schmitz, Emily Breazile, and Rylee Packet each had RBIs in the big inning.

Schmitz was credited with the victory for the Pioneers allowing six hits and six runs over seven innings, while striking out eight.

The Pioneers tallied 25 hits in the game. Smailys, Marth, Schmitz, Breazile, and Sydnee Nickels all managed multiple hits for the Pioneers. Smailys led the Pioneers with six hits in six at bats.

Pioneer Softball Wins Falls City Tourney

9/13/2021

From Left - Emma Smailys, Pacie Lee, Kendyl Schmitz, Madison Hoyle and Emily Breazile, pose after winning the Falls City Tournament.

After dropping a high scoring game to Class B Number 5 Wahoo on Thursday, the Pioneer softball team responded well by winning the Falls City Tournament this past Saturday. Along the way the Pioneers were able to pick up wins against Syracuse, Falls City and Freeman.
Nebraska City Pioneers Grab Lead in the Third to Defeat Syracuse
The Nebraska City Pioneers took the lead late in the game in a 14-2 victory over the Syracuse Rockets on Saturday. The game was knotted at one with the Pioneers batting in the top of the third when Kendyl Schmitz singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring three runs.

The Pioneers secured the victory thanks to eight runs in the fourth inning. The Pioneers's big inning was driven by singles by Bianca Hoy and Emilee Marth, doubles by Pacie Lee and Emma Smailys, and a triple by Marth.

The Pioneers scored eight runs in the fourth inning. The Pioneers big bats were led by Marth, Hoy, Lee, Smailys, and Marth, all sending runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.

Emerson Becker was credited with the victory for the Pioneers. The righty lasted four innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out one and walking one.

The Pioneers tallied 13 hits. Hoyle, Marth, Smailys, Emily Breazile, and Schmitz each collected multiple hits for the Pioneers. Schmitz, Breazile, Smailys, Marth, and Hoyle each managed two hits to lead the Pioneers. The Pioneers were sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Lee had the most chances in the field with five.

Nebraska City's Schmitz Shuts Out Falls City

Kendyl Schmitz threw a shutout to lead Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers past Falls City Tigers Varsity 4-0 on Saturday.

Schmitz was credited with the victory for the Pioneers. The pitcher allowed four hits and zero runs over seven innings, striking out seven.

The Pioneers smacked one home run on the day. Emilee Marth went deep in the fifth inning.

Marth led the Pioneers with three hits in three at bats. The Pioneers didn't commit a single error in the field. Sydnee Nickels had the most chances in the field with seven.

Pioneers Defeats Freeman, 5-1
The Nebraska City Pioneers wins contest against Freeman Falcons, 5-1

The Pioneers pulled away for good with three runs in the third inning. In the third Emilee Marth singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run, Bianca Hoy grounded out, scoring one run, and Emerson Becker singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run.

Kendyl Schmitz got the win for the Pioneers. The righty lasted five innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out nine and walking one.

The Pioneers racked up 13 hits in the game. Emma Smailys, Emily Breazile, Marth, and Becker all collected multiple hits for the Pioneers. Breazile and Smailys each managed three hits to lead the Pioneers.

Pioneers Drop a Close One to Wahoo

9/13/2021

Nebraska City Pioneers stayed in it until the end, but the Class B Number 5 Wahoo Warriors pulled away late in an 8-7 victory on Thursday. The Warriors trailed 6-5 in the top of the seventh inning when an error scored three runs for Wahoo Warriors.
The Pioneers collected 12 hits and Wahoo Warriors had eight in the high-scoring affair.
The Pioneers got things started in the first inning when Emilee Marth doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.
In the top of the fifth inning, Wahoo Warriors tied things up at five.
The Pioneers put up three runs in the fourth inning. The Pioneers's big bats in the inning were led by doubles by Pacie Lee, Emma Smailys, and Marth.
Wahoo Warriors scored four runs in the fifth inning. Wahoo Warriors big inning was driven by a home run by A Iverson and by K Urban.
Kendyl Schmitz led things off in the pitcher's circle for the Pioneers. Schmitz went seven innings, allowing eight runs on eight hits and striking out five.
The Pioneers racked up 12 hits in the game. Marth, Smailys, and Emily Breazile each collected multiple hits for the Pioneers. Smailys and Marth all had three hits to lead the Pioneers.

Pioneer Softball Competes in Syracuse Tournament

8/30/2021

Nebraska City Softball team competed in the Syracuse tournament this past weekend going 1-2 on the day, moving their record to 8-2 on the season. Recaps can be found below. Next up for the Pioneers is a JV, Varsity tilt with the Gross Cougars in Omaha on August 31st. First pitch for the JV contest is 5:00, with the varsity game scheduled to start at 6:30.
Fourth Inning Plays Key Role in Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers Blow Out Over
Six runs in the fourth inning led Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers past Syracuse Syracuse Rockets Varsity 11-2 on Saturday. The offensive onslaught by Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers was led by Emma Smailys, Sydnee Nickels, Kendyl Schmitz, and Rylee Packet, all knocking in runs in the inning.

The Pioneers got on the board in the first inning. Nickels's sac fly scored one run for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers put up six runs in the fourth inning. Smailys, Nickels, Schmitz, and Packet each drove in runs during the inning.

Schmitz led the Pioneers to victory in the pitcher's circle. The pitcher surrendered two runs on three hits over four innings, striking out four.

Schmitz led Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers with two hits in three at bats.

Yutan-Mead Patriots Tops Pioneers 7-6
Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers's effort to come back from down six runs in the fourth inning came up just short, as they fell 7-6 to Yutan-Mead Varsity on Saturday. the Pioneers scored four runs in the failed comeback on a fielder's choice by Emma Cowden, a groundout by Rylee Packet, a error, and a single by Emma Smailys.

The Pioneers collected six hits and Yutan-Mead Patriots Varsity had ten in the high-scoring affair.

The Pioneers got things started in the first inning when Cowden doubled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run.

Yutan-Mead Patriots Varsity knotted the game up at one in the bottom of the second inning, when Alexis Polak singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run.

Yutan-Mead Patriots Varsity pulled away for good with three runs in the third inning. In the third Shaylynn Campbell tripled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run, Maycee Hays singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run, and Taylor Novak singled on a 2-1 count, scoring one run.

The Pioneers scored five runs in the sixth inning. The Pioneers put the pressure on, lead by a single by Smailys, a groundout by Packet, a fielder's choice by Cowden, and an error on a ball put in play by Rylee Stracke.

Yutan-Mead Patriots Varsity scored three runs in the fourth inning. The offensive onslaught by Yutan-Mead Patriots Varsity was led by Campbell and Laycee Josoff, all driving in runs in the inning.

Kendyl Schmitz was in the pitcher's circle for Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers. The righty lasted five innings, allowing ten hits and seven runs while striking out seven.

The Pioneers tallied six hits. Emilee Marth and Smailys each managed multiple hits for the Pioneers. Smailys and Marth each collected two hits to lead Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers. The Pioneers was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Sydnee Nickels had the most chances in the field with six.

Freeman Falcons Varsity Bests Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers In Close Game
Both teams were strong in the circle on Saturday, but Freeman Falcons Varsity was just a little bit stronger at the plate in a victory over Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers on Saturday. Kendyl Schmitz started the game for Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers and recorded 15 outs.

One bright spot for Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers was a single by Emma Smailys in the first inning.

Paige Mahler was on the rubber for Freeman Falcons Varsity. The hurler lasted five innings, allowing two hits and zero runs while striking out eight and walking one.

Schmitz led things off in the pitcher's circle for Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers. The righthander lasted five innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out one.

Smailys and Sydnee Nickels each collected one hit to lead Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers.

Dakota Haner led Freeman Falcons Varsity with two hits in three at bats. Freeman Falcons Varsity didn't commit a single error in the field.

Pioneer Softball Continues Winning Ways at Omaha North Tourney

8/27/2021

Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers Defeats Omaha North Vikings Varsity in a Blow-Out Victory

Nebraska City Pioneers cruised to an easy victory over Omaha North Vikings Varsity 12-2 on Thursday

The Pioneers got on the board in the first inning. An error scored one run for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers tallied four runs in the third inning. The offensive firepower by the Pioneers was led by Sydnee Nickels, Emma Cowden, and Kendyl Schmitz, all driving in runs in the frame.

Schmitz earned the win for the Pioneers. The righty allowed three hits and two runs over four innings, striking out seven and walking one.

Callie Vaske toed the rubber for Omaha North Vikings Varsity. The pitcher went three and two-thirds innings, allowing 12 runs on ten hits and striking out three.

The Pioneers collected ten hits on the day. Cowden, Emma Smailys, and Schmitz all collected multiple hits for the Pioneers. Schmitz, Smailys, and Cowden each collected two hits to lead the Pioneers. The Pioneers didn't commit a single error in the field. Nickels had the most chances in the field with seven.

Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers Takes Victory Over Omaha Central Eagles Varsity

Nebraska City Pioneers beat Omaha Central Eagles Varsity 6-3 on Friday.

The Pioneers opened up scoring in the first inning, when Sydnee Nickels doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring two runs.

Kendyl Schmitz took the win for the Pioneers. The pitcher allowed three hits and three runs over six innings, striking out five.

Grace Titus was in the circle for Omaha Central Eagles Varsity. Titus lasted six innings, allowing eight hits and six runs while striking out two.

The Pioneers totaled eight hits in the game. Emilee Marth, Nickels, and Emma Smailys all had multiple hits for the Pioneers. Smailys, Nickels, and Marth each managed two hits to lead the Pioneers. The Pioneers didn't commit a single error in the field. Nickels had six chances in the field, the most on the team.

Pioneers Softball Off to a Hot Start

8/25/2021

The Nebraska City varsity softball team moved to 5-0 on the season with a hotly contested win over their Trailblazer Conference foes the Ralston Rams. The Pioneer Junior Varsity team also got the win improving their record to 2-0.

With both teams battling the extreme heat, the Rams jumped out early scoring three runs in the first inning, but the Pioneers battled back to tie the game. Going into the fourth with the game tied at 4, Junior Bianca Hoy singled on the first pitch of her at bat scoring the winning run.

Senior Kendyl Schmitz picked up the win for Pioneers. Schmitz lasted seven innings, allowing five hits and four runs while striking out six. Wagner took the loss for the Rams. The hurler surrendered five runs on eight hits over seven innings, striking out six.

Emma Cowden went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers in hits. The Pioneers didn't commit a single error in the field led by a solid effort from Sydnee Nickels handling five hits.

Next up for the Pioneers is a trip to Syracuse for the eight team Syracuse Invitational. This year's tournament field includes Auburn, Yutan, Freeman, Wahoo, Cass County, and fellow Trailblazers the Plattsmouth Blue Devils. The Pioneers open up with the host Syracuse Rockets at 9:00 am. The full tournament bracket can be seen below.

Pioneer Softball Wins Milford Tournament

8/23/2021

For the third straight year in a row, the Pioneer Softball team came home from the Milford Tournament as champions!

Milford Game Recap

Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers sailed to an easy victory over Milford Eagles Varsity 11-1 on Saturday

Milford Eagles Varsity got things moving in the first inning. Addi Mowinkel grounded out, scoring one run.

The Pioneers tallied four runs in the fifth inning. Kendyl Schmitz, Rylee Packet, and Emma Smailys powered the big inning with RBIs.

Schmitz earned the win for the Pioneers. The righty went six innings, allowing one run on two hits, striking out eight and walking zero.

The Pioneers totaled 12 hits in the game. Pacie Lee, Sydnee Nickels, Smailys, and Emily Breazile each managed multiple hits for Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers. Breazile, Smailys, Nickels, and Lee each collected two hits to lead Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers. Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Nickels made the most plays with eight.

Cass County Game Recap:

Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers defeated Cass 7-6 on Saturday after taking the lead late in the game. The game was tied at six with Nebraska City Varsity Pioneers batting in the bottom of the fifth when Emma Cowden singled on a 2-1 count, scoring one run.

The Pioneers earned the victory despite allowing Cass to score five runs in the first inning. Cass's big inning was driven by an error on a ball put in play by M Steckler and L Green and a single by A Gansewer.

Cass opened up scoring in the first inning. An error scored two runs for Cass.

Kendyl Schmitz got the win for the Pioneers. Schmitz surrendered one run on six hits over five innings, striking out five and walking one.

E Haberg took the loss for Cass. Haberg lasted five innings, allowing 11 hits and seven runs while striking out two and walking one.

The Pioneers launched two home runs on the day. Emilee Marth had a four bagger in the first inning. Emma Smailys went for the long ball in the first inning.

The Pioneers had 11 hits in the game. Marth, Smailys, and Cowden each managed multiple hits for the Pioneers. Smailys and Marth each collected three hits to lead the Pioneers.

There is no recap available for the Wilbur Claytonia game, but the final score was 13-1 in favor of the Pioneers.