Bullpup Softball Opens 2026 Season with Doubleheader at Valley Center
Defending state champs drop a pair of close ones in season opener
The McPherson Bullpups varsity softball team opened the 2026 season Monday at Valley Center, looking to build on a historic 2025 campaign that brought the school its first-ever state championship. While the results didn't go their way in a pair of 5-6 losses to the Hornets, there were plenty of encouraging signs for Bullpup fans.
In Game 1, McPherson collected 10 hits and jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but Valley Center answered and held on for the 6-5 win. C. Pavlovich was a force, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI while also pitching the full game with eight strikeouts. R. Whitfield added two hits and two RBI. The Hornets pounded out 18 hits to outlast the Bullpups. In Game 2, McPherson fell behind early with Valley Center scoring three in the first, but the Bullpups battled back. R. Whitfield led the way again, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI, while K. Zaharis chipped in with a hit and an RBI. A. Schroeder went the distance on the mound, striking out three, but Valley Center's A. Davison was the difference, going 3-for-4 with a home run.
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