The second-ranked Ankeny girls’ soccer team is off to an impressive 2-0 start.
The Hawkettes opened their season on Friday with a 3-0 victory over Waukee, then followed with a 1-0 win over No. 5 Council Bluffs Lincoln on Saturday. Both games were part of the Crosstown Invitational.
“It was a good weekend,” said Ankeny coach Simon Brown. “We had some cramping toward the end of our second game, and after two tough games early on I think both teams were fading a bit. That’s a lot to ask of the girls energy-wise, but we were happy with the results. The girls were scrappy at times, but we also saw some things that we need to work on.”
The game against Waukee (1-1) was scoreless at halftime. Ankeny then dominated the second half.
“It took us a half to figure things out,” Brown said. “Their keeper had an amazing game–she made some quality saves. And even in the second half she was keeping her team in the game.”
Teja Pritchard scored two goals and had an assist to lead the Hawkettes.
“It took a little bit of magic to break the ice,” Brown said. “Teja scored on a volley from the top of the 18.”
Freshman Camryn Dietz scored Ankeny’s second goal off an assist by Pritchard, who later scored again. Alli Macke, another freshman, also had an assist for the Hawkettes.
Lincoln (2-1) was coming off a 2-1 overtime victory against No. 4 Ankeny Centennial on Friday. But the Lynx were unable to find the net against Ankeny’s stingy defense.
“Both teams were tired,” Brown said. “We scored off a corner kick midway through the first half. They had a couple of chances, but I think we outshot them in the end. Any team that can beat Centennial and score two goals against them is definitely a top team.”
Eden Gibson scored the game’s only goal. She was assisted by Pritchard.
Brooke Harrington had three of Ankeny’s 13 shots. Savanna Vanderwerf made eight saves for Lincoln.
The Hawkettes will host a non-conference game against Southeast Polk (0-0) on Tuesday.
