Dons Hold on to Eliminate Ravens

Article Credit: KCII – July 18, 2026

The Hillcrest Academy softball team finished their season in the Class 1A Region 1 Quarterfinals with a 6-4 loss at Don Bosco. The home team led early with single runs in the first and third. Things were locked up after three with a pair of Raven runs in their half. Don Bosco’s big inning was the fifth where they plated four to take back to the lead with insurance. Down to their final three outs, the Raven’s rallied for a pair of runs, but came up two short. Don Bosco out hit Hillcrest 5-1. Rachel Knepper led the Dons with two hits and two RBI with a run. Adalyn Steenblock was the winner with six and a third innings of work, one hit, three earned runs and nine strikeouts. Ella Mize had the lone Hillcrest hit, driving in one. Claire Miller scored twice and Isabelle Vigneron and Annika Schrock once each. Lyla Genkinger took the loss in the circle with four and two thirds, six hits, six earned runs and two strikeouts. Don Bosco advances at 21-14 while Hillcrest ends the year 9-18.