Senior outfielder Mariah Parton has helped the 15th-ranked Ankeny softball team to an 11-4 record. She is batting .478 with a team-high 22 RBIs and has stolen 12 bases in 13 attempts.
Parton went 2-for-3, stole four bases and scored three runs in Ankeny’s 4-3 win over Mount Ayr in the John Stevens Classic on Saturday at Creston. She was named the team’s MVP for the game.
Here is some inside info on Parton:
How is the season going thus far?
I think I can speak for the team when I say I’m super happy with how the season is going! We are starting to get into our rhythm and have a really strong bond.
Your team is now on an eight-game winning streak after a 3-4 start. What has been the key to the turnaround?
After our first few games we went back to the fundamentals and seeing lots of reps at practice. We did a lot of infield and outfield work on one day, then switched to hitting the next day. We’ve been cleaning up our defense and shifted our offensive approach to getting the ball in play with hard ground balls or line drives instead of popups.
The winning streak began with a doubleheader sweep last Monday over visiting Ames, which is now ranked 11th. Did that sweep do a lot for the team’s confidence?
Our sweep against Ames was good for the team. Going into the doubleheader, our expectation was to take both games and we executed that task. It was fun to compete and have each person play their role for us.
One of your teammates, sophomore pitcher Abby Rusher, had 20 strikeouts over 10 innings pitched in that twinbill. What did you think of her performance?
Abby had an amazing performance against Ames! I think that by closing out game one and throwing game two, she showed a lot of grit and we all enjoyed watching her do so well. Abby is really talented and is going to play a huge role on our team.
As a senior, are you trying to be more of a leader for the team this season? And if so, how?
Yes! Our group of seniors is dedicated to being equals with the team. We talk a lot about being selfless when playing, having fun, and giving effort. On the field, we are always talking with each other whether it’s reassurance, picking someone up, or telling each other, “Good job”. Big plays in the field or hits when we are up to bat are also a big part of leadership for our team because all the girls get excited for each other and it gives us even more momentum. I try to be a leader and create the energy in these situations whether I’m the one that makes the play, has the hit, or am cheering as loud as I can in the dugout. I also like to have some fun with the girls at practices and team dinners so that everyone feels comfortable, which has helped make a stronger bond within the team.
Your team will play a doubleheader on Monday at No. 4 Fort Dodge, the defending Class 5A state champion. Do you think your team is ready for that challenge?
Our team is really looking forward to playing Fort Dodge on Monday. We have a lot of confidence right now that I think we are going to carry into the game. They have a couple of really good players so it’ll be a challenge for us, but if we keep trusting each other and ourselves I think we will do well!
Last year, your team lost all four meetings against the Dodgers by a combined margin of 47-9. What will be the key to having some success against them?
I think the key for our games against Fort Dodge will be our team culture. When everyone gets focused on the game and executing their job, good things happen. Trusting our skills is also going to be important because it makes us more confident in ourselves and each other.
Along with Fort Dodge, the CIML Iowa Conference also boasts two other top-six teams in Class 5A–No. 2 Waukee Northwest and No. 6 Ankeny Centennial. Do you feel like your conference is the best one in the state?
Our conference is for sure stacked with some of the best teams in the state. It’s great that we get to compete against each other throughout the season because we challenge each other and all have a drive to win. I think several teams in the CIML will make it to state this year.
Goals for the rest of the season?
Our team has a few different number goals we want to hit for stolen bases, runs scored, wins, home runs, and more. The big goal is always to make it to state and take home the trophy!
You have signed a letter of intent to play for Central College next year. Do you think it will be a big adjustment for you to play at that level?
I’m super excited to play next year at Central! I think the biggest adjustment is going to be figuring out the team norms and expectations. I think I’m going to learn a lot and grow more as a player so I’m really looking forward to it!
What are you planning to study?
I’m planning on studying biology or kinesiology as of right now!