RUNNELLS - The Kennedy girls softball team enjoyed a remarkable turnaround this season under new coach Dan Gratz, but the Cougars ran into a powerful opponent Tuesday night in the finals of the Class 5A regional tournament.

The Southeast Polk Rams, ranked No. 3 in the state, unleashed a 17-hit attack and defeated the Cougars, 12-0, to claim a spot in the state tournament.

Kennedy finished the season with a 27-14 record, a far cry from its 13-25 mark from 2013.

Hannah Parker pitched a five-hit shutout and belted a home run for Southeast Polk (28-9).

Cassady Knudsen went 4-for-5 for the Rams. Katie Burdick was 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Kenzie Hilzer was 3-for-5.

Southeast Polk scored six runs in the first inning and cruised from there.

Southeast Polk    611 010 3 - 12 17 x
Kennedy           000 000 0 - 0 5 x