It didn’t take long for Riley Whitaker to make an impact for the Ankeny girls’ soccer team.
The Iowa recruit scored a goal midway through the first half to spark the ninth-ranked Hawkettes to a 2-0 victory at Urbandale in their season opener on Thursday. It was the first high school game for the senior, who has previously played for the Iowa Rush club team.
“Riley’s goal came on a screamer off her left foot,” said Ankeny coach Dan Bertsch. “Overall, the team had moments of greatness and moments we need to continue to improve on throughout the season. It’s early, and we are still finding our legs.”
Malerie Rohweder added another goal for the Hawkettes later in the second half. She scored off a combination play from Chloee Kooker.
“The game was a good start to the season,” Bertsch said. “We won against a very young but talented Urbandale team.”
Ankeny will play two games at the Bettendorf Invitational on Saturday. The Hawkettes will meet Springfield Catholic (Ill.) and North Scott, the No. 3 team in Class 2A.
“It’ll be two more quality games, and hopefully we’ll continue to improve and progress,” Bertsch said.