DUBUQUE -- Jefferson swept a pair of softball games from Dubuque Hempstead on Thursday to clinch the Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division title.

The fourth-ranked J-Hawks whipped Hempstead 12-0 and 6-2.

Jefferson (32-4, 23-1) clinched the title when Iowa City West split its doubleheader with Dubuque Wahlert, dropping the Women of Troy three games behind the J-Hawks with two to play.

Hannah Petersen struck out 12 for Jefferson in the opener and also drove in two runs at the plate. Maddie Hanson and Kenna Fry also drove in two runs apiece. Kaitlyn Davidson had two hits.

Fry also drove in two runs in the nightcap. Kailey Drake had three hits.

Jefferson plays in the Ottumwa Classic on Friday. The J-Hawks have games against Southeast Polk and Solon.