Kee softball team wins third straight UIC crown, first time with undefeated record

by Val Meyer

The Kee softball team reigns supreme over the Upper Iowa Conference (UIC) for the third consecutive season, but for the first time in those three title runs the Hawks have accomplished that feat in dominant, undefeated fashion, outscoring their UIC opponents by a combined run tally of 181-6. Posting an unblemished 18-0 record in UIC play, and compiling a 33-6 regular season record heading into postseason play this week, the Lady Hawks have posted shut-outs in 14 of those 18 Upper Iowa Conference games.

Half of those runs allowed in UIC play actually came this past week, as the Hawks completed their undefeated season with two final back-to-back doubleheader sweeps on the road. Kee first fought off Turkey Valley by scores of 6-2 and 6-1 Monday, June 27, but returned to shut-out fashion in completing its undefeated UIC season with mercy-rule wins of 11-0 and 12-0 at South Winneshiek Thursday, June 30.

The Hawks then wrapped up their regular season schedule over the weekend playing in the two-day Don Bosco Softball Classic Friday and Saturday, July 1-2. Kee posted an undefeated day in Friday’s action with victories of 6-3 over Class 3A 11th-rated Center Point-Urbana and 6-1 over Centerville. The Hawks continued that undefeated trend in Saturday’s competition, handing East Buchanan a 13-0 defeat in just five innings before wrapping up an unblemished tournament effort with a 7-3 triumph over West Branch.

“The coaches and players love to see the support from the community,” Kee softball head coach Liz Hill said. “We appreciate all of those who came to cheer us on throughout the season.”

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