Notable performances at the NFCA Kaiti Williams Leadoff Classic
By: Rob Else
Kloey Hamblen (2024) drove in five runs, including a 3-run home run in the first inning, to lead the Papilion Lavista Monarchs (8-3) to a 7-5 victory over the Gretna Dragons (12-1) in the championship game of the NFCA Kaiti Williams Leadoff Classic. It was the first tournament championship for the Monarchs in three years.
In the championship game, Hamblen ended 2-for-3 with a run scored and five RBI. Avery Wolfe (2025) added two hits and two RBI. Carly Bertolini (2025) picked up the win in the circle pitching four innings while allowing five runs and striking out six.
The Dragons were led by catcher Brylee Rupiper (2025) who went 2-for-2 with three RBI, including a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the second inning. Carlie Muhlbach (2025) was 2-for-3 with a double. In the circle, Gretna started with Adeline Fliege (2024) who faced five batters before being replaced by Macy Eitzmann (2024).
Figure 1 Papillion Lavista winners of the 2023 NFCA Kaiti Williams Leadoff Classic (Photo Courtesy of Papillion Softball Twitter)
The win capped off a 5-0 weekend for the Monarchs against quality competition. This year’s tournament featured some of the top teams in Nebraska, with 8 teams currently ranked by the Omaha World Herald. Teams from Blue Springs South (MO), Helias Catholic (MO), Legends High School (CO), Liberty High (MO), Rock Bridge (MO), Silo (OK), and Valor Christian (CO) came from outside the area.
The NFCA Kaiti Williams Leadoff Classic is hosted by Papillion Lavista South and Millard North high schools in honor of Papillion South graduate Kaiti Williams who died unexpectedly in 2015 at the age of 22. Kaiti was an outstanding three sport athlete in high school, becoming the first Titan player to earn 12 varsity letters in her career. Four each in softball, basketball, and track. Kaiti attended Wayne State College where she excelled on and off the softball field. Earning all-conference honors all four years in softball and graduating with honors. In 2018, Kaiti was elected to the Wayne State College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Notable performances at the NFCA Kaiti Williams Leadoff Classic
Alexis Jensen (2025 – Gretna)
One of the top recruits in the area from the 2025 class, Jensen threw 14.1 innings with 28 strikeouts and only one earned run. In the Dragons semi-final win over Blue Spring South, Jensen had 9 strikeouts with several college coaches watching from the stands.
Maddison Hoffman (2024 – Blue Springs South)
Maddison Hoffman (2024 – Blue Springs South)
The Western Kentucky commit was good both in the circle and at the plate. In the circle, Hoffman threw 8.1 innings with no earned runs allowed while striking out 14. At the plate, she hit .384 with six RBI and two runs scored.
Tarisa Frans (2025 – Elkhorn South)
The lefty leadoff hitter and shortstop for the Storm hit .538 and had five stolen bases for the weekend. Her fielding included 13 putouts and a triple play.
Kayleigh Fuller (2026 – Papillion Lavista South)
The Titan sophomore pitched 17 innings with only three walks and 13 strikeouts in four appearances in the tournament.
