The Ankeny Centennial softball team has rebounded nicely from a season-opening loss.
The Jaguars–who dropped a 15-5 decision in their opener at Waukee on Monday–rolled to a 13-0 win at Newton in five innings on Wednesday. They then followed with another 13-0 victory on Thursday, this time at Saydel in three innings.
“We’re starting to hit the ball a little better and just playing as a team,” said Centennial coach Brett Delaney. “It’s really been a team effort, and it’s been fun to watch the girls grow.”
Franie Burnett and Lily King each went 2-for-3 and scored a pair of runs in the win over Saydel. Burnett had a double and also knocked in two runs.
“Our 1 and 2 hitters (Burnett and King) have been setting the tone for us,” Delaney said.
Cassie Severson doubled and had three RBIs for the Jaguars, who turned the game into a rout with a 10-run second inning. Taylor Runchey had two RBIs, and Cassi Garland added a solo home run.
Garland was primarily an outfielder last year, but has made the transition to second base this season.
“We tried her out there a little bit in the spring, and she showed some signs of being able to handle it,” Delaney said. “We like our opportunities with her there to get a couple other bats in the lineup.”
Madi Huisman (1-1) tossed a two-hitter to earn the win. She walked two and had one strikeout.
“Madi came back after a rough first start (at Waukee) and threw a shutout, so that was nice to see.”
Burnett and King each went 3-for-4 in the win over Newton, the No. 12 team in Class 4A. King stole two bases, scored three runs and drove in three more, while Burnett had a triple and one RBI.
Severson went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Ella Schulz went 2-for-4 for the Jaguars, who broke the game open with a seven-run outburst in the fifth inning.
Kayla Stone was the winning pitcher. She tossed a three-hitter.
“Newton’s got a good ballclub, so that was a nice win for us,” Delaney said. “Kayla threw really well.”