The Austin softball team couldn’t keep up with Mankato West in a 11-0 loss in five innings in its regular season finale at Todd Park Friday.

Mankato West pitcher Ashley Veroeven gave the Packers (7-13 overall, 6-11 Big Nine) a heavy dose of fastballs as she struck out 11 batters.

Austin pinch hitter Kelly Bednar had the only hit of the night for the home team when she beat out an infield single in the fifth inning.

“That’s gotta be the fastest pitcher we’ve seen all year,” Austin head coach Steve Knox said. “She threw the ball very well and she’s a very good pitcher. It was nice to see Kelly Bednar break up her no-hitter.”

Austin’s Marie Clennon pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the first inning, but the Scarlets (17-2 overall) put up six runs in the fifth to put the game away.

Clennon was hit by a line drive in the right forearm in the top of the third but still finished the start.

“That’s a competitor,” Knox said. “There was no doubt in her mind, she was staying in the game. Right away she said I’m fine, just give me a couple of pitches. Those are the types of competitors that make your team successful.”

Austin will now look to the postseason as it will open Section 1AAA play Wednesday at Todd Park.

1 2 3 4 5 R H E

MW 0 1 2 2 6 11 15 0

A 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2

Austin pitching: Marie Clennon (L), 5 IP, 15 H, 4 BB, 11 R, 8 ER

Austin hitting: Sara Alms, 0-for-1, BB; Kaycee Lukes, 0-for-2; Sara Sundberg, 0-for-2; Robin Arjes, 0-for-2; Brandi Ruroden, 0-for-1; Ashley Crump, 0-for-1; Rachel Donovan, 0-for-1; Bri Mayer, 0-for-1; Jolen Brody, 0-for-2; Audrey DeVries, 0-for-1; Kelly Bednar, 1-for-1; Katelynne Fisher, 0-for-1; Emily Beckel, BB

Mankato West pitching: Ashley Veroeven (W), 5 IP, 1 H, 2BB, 0 R, 11 K

Mankato West hitting: Janee Wise, 1-for-2, RBI; Lauren Weber, 0-for-3; Veroeven, 3-for-3, RBI; Alyssa Black, 4-for-4, 2 RBIs; Ashley Goettl, 1-for-3; Nikki Starkson, 0-for-3, RBI; Vanessa Lloyd, 1-for-2, 3 RBIs; Rita Hurd, 2-for-4; Jamie Thompson, 2-for-4, double; Kaley Scearcy, 1-for-1, RBI