GLENDIVE, Mont. - The long bus ride to Montana was worth it.

The second-ranked Kirkwood Eagles swept Dawson Community College, 10-1 and 4-0, to claim the district softball title Thursday and earn another trip to the NJCAA Division II national tournament.

Coach Joe Yegge is taking the Eagles to the national tournament for the fifth time in 10 years as head coach. The event will be held in  Clinton, Miss., from May 17-20.

Taylor Nearad belted a three-run homer and DoniRae Mayhew had a grand slam for Kirkwood in the 10-1 victory, which ended after five innings due to the mercy rule. Mayhew's homer was the 100th for Kirkwood this season.

Maddie Hansen hit a solo home run in the second game and Morgan Frost had a two-run single.

Kirkwood raised its record to 54-4. Dawson finished the season at 23-12.

Kirkwood placed fifth at the national tournament last year.