Tuesday’s game against visiting Dowling Catholic was a perfect tune-up for the postseason for the Ankeny Centennial girls’ soccer team.
The non-conference battle was the kind of contest that the Jaguars are going to have to win over the next few weeks to reach their ultimate goal.
Third-ranked Centennial got a goal from Alanna Pennington in the 63rd minute and closed out the regular season with a 1-0 victory over the No. 8 Maroons.
“We controlled the ball very well and created numerous chances, but Dowling’s keeper had great resolve,” said Centennial coach Chris Allen. “We talked about having to be a bit more scrappy in the 18 and perhaps having to win a foot race, and I think that’s what happened on Alanna’s second-half goal. She played the ball forward, and it didn’t come back cleanly from the forward, yet Alanna kept after the ball, winning it and weaving between defenders until she faced the keeper, and then she tucked it away.
“She should be proud of that effort, and her perseverance in that moment,” he added.
Centennial (14-3) posted its 13th shutout of the season. The Maroons’ record dropped to 10-5.
Goalkeeper Teagan Hall played the entire game for the Jaguars and had one save.
“Our defense was impressive and really served as the first line of attack as we were able to build from them throughout the game,” Allen said. “Teagan did a great job communicating the entire time. She earned the shutout for her effort.”
Hall was honored before the game along with fellow seniors Ella Becker, Courtney Kovacs, Izzy Sash and Elle Street.
“First off, I want to show my appreciation for our seniors,” Allen said. “They have done a wonderful job leading this team in a variety of ways throughout the regular season, and I am so happy for them to have a chance to celebrate their final regular season game with a win against a ranked Dowling opponent. And to Dowling’s credit, they were frustrating.”
The Jaguars will host Des Moines East or Des Moines North in a Class 3A regional semifinal on Tuesday.