CLINTON - Kennedy won the final two sets to win its Class 5A regional semifinal match against Clinton Thursday night.

The Cougars (20-14) advance to play Dubuque Hempstead in Tuesday's regional final at Dubuque Senior.

Kennedy dropped nailbiters in the first and third set against Clinton. The River Queens took the first set 25-22, but Kennedy claimed the second 25-20.

Clinton eked out a 25-23 win in the third set.

Kennedy won the fourth set 25-20, then grabbed the fifth set 15-11 to take the match.

Jadyn Gilson led the Cougars with 23 kills. Madi Meier had 36 digs and was 18 of 18 serving with two aces. Anna Fluent had 60 assists,