The Austin softball team found out first hand why Mankato East is ranked No. 1 in Class ‘AA’ as they lost to the Cougars (4-0 overall, 4-0 Big Nine) 11-0 in five innings at Todd Park Monday.

East pitcher Nicole Reis struck out 11 Packers while allowing just one hit and one walk and she hit a three-run homer in the fourth and finished with five RBIs at the plate.

“It wasn’t her speed that hurt us, she just had a real nice rise ball that threw our hitters off-balance,” Austin head coach Tina Strauss said. “They deserve they’re ranking and they’re a very impressive team.”

The Packers (3-2 overall, 3-2 Big Nine) had just two baserunners in the loss and the Cougars haven’t allowed a run all season.

East 0 2 1 3 5 — 11 10 0

Austin 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 1 4

Austin pitching: Marie Clennon (L), 4 1/3 IP, 8 H, 2 BB, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 K, 1 HBP; Abbie Ball, 2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 ER, 1 K

Austin hitting: Liz Gerhart, 1-for-2; Taylor Hackensmith, 0-for-1, BB