After dropping a 10-1 decision in the first game of a doubleheader on Thursday at eighth-ranked Ottumwa, the Ankeny Centennial softball team was hoping to salvage a split of the twinbill.
The Jaguars played much better in the nightcap, scoring three runs in the top of the fifth inning to forge a 4-4 tie. But Ottumwa answered with three runs in the bottom of the frame and then held on for a 7-6 victory to complete a sweep.
“Ottumwa is a tough opponent. They’re a well-coached team, and they played well,” said Centennial coach Brett Delaney. “We gave ourselves a chance to come back at the end. We had runners on, but we just couldn’t get over the hump.”
Kaylee Bix and Josie Lemonds each homered and had three RBIs for the Bulldogs, who improved to 4-0 on the season. Centennial’s record dropped to 2-3.
The Jaguars pounded out 12 hits in the second game. Cassie Severson went 3-for-4 with three doubles and one RBI.
Lily King, Kennedee Jones and Taylor Runchey each had a pair of hits. King and Jones each drove in a run.
Madi Huisman (1-2) took the loss. She relieved starter Sam Klug in the fifth inning.
“We just have a couple of minor things that we need to iron out,” Delaney said.
In the opener, Centennial pitcher Kayla Stone (1-1) gave up four runs in the first inning without recording an out. Ottumwa then added four more runs in the second.
Jillian Heaton homered and had two RBIs for the Bulldogs. Bix had two doubles and also knocked in two runs.
Kacy Nickerson was the winning pitcher. She scattered six hits and had 10 strikeouts.
Runchey drove in the Jaguars’ lone run. King went 2-for-4 in the loss.
King leads the team with a .563 average.
“She’s been that senior leader that we need to start us off, both at the plate and in the field,” Delaney said of King. “I couldn’t ask much more from her.”