HASTINGS - When the Yutan/Mead softball team suffered its only loss of the season a few weeks ago, coach Amy Arensberg said there were no tears shed by the Patriots.

They saved those for Friday, when Yutan/Mead avenged that defeat by beating Bennington 4-0 for the co-op team's first Class C title.

"They're just very focused," Arensberg said. "Our defense has been this solid all season. We put ourselves in a position to win every game."

The top-ranked Patriots (28-1) nearly pulled off the unbeaten season. Outside of the 3-0 loss to No. 3 Bennington, they were the dominant team in Class C.

Kelli Fisher ended the season in style, tossing a two-hit shutout.

"Even for a freshman, she's so composed," Arensberg said. "Tonight, her screwball worked really well."

Offensively, lead-off hitter Kaylea Kult reached base four times, three times on singles. Katie Johnson, Robin Nagle and Shelbi Fisher also drove in runs.

Bennington (27-9) earned its shot in the finals by outslugging Milford 9-6 and topping Wahoo 6-1 in earlier games Friday.

- Todd Henrichs