Senior shortstop Lauren Solis has helped the fifth-ranked Ankeny Centennial softball team to a 25-12 record. She is batting .333 with four doubles and 20 RBIs.
The Jaguars posted a 4-3 victory over visiting Waterloo West in a Class 5A regional semifinal on Saturday. Solis watched the game from the dugout due to a season-ending injury that she suffered during the Dallas Center-Grimes Invitational on July 1.
Here is some inside info on Solis:
How did you get hurt?
A hard-hit ball hit my hand and broke my hand while I was playing shortstop in the game against North Polk.
Did you know right away that it was serious?
Yes, but I wanted to think it was just jammed. But I knew I broke it.
Was there any way that you could have continued playing despite the injury?
No, the bone is completely broken and I am in a cast for the next couple weeks.
What was the highlight of your season?
Being with my team every day and getting to go to state for the last two years with them.
Was it hard to watch Saturday’s game from the dugout?
Yes, it was extremely hard, but being a part of the team and cheering on my team is the most important thing I can do.
What did you think of your team’s performance?
We were able to put the ball in play, and the team stuck together for the win.
Did you have confidence in teammate Cora Boyle, who replaced you at the shortstop position?
Since Cora has joined the team this season she has been a great addition to us. I have tons of confidence in her and as we all see she is not afraid to get down and dirty to make a play.
Your team has had an up-and-down season, but you’re still ranked in the top five and have won six straight games. Do you feel like the team is peaking at the right time?
Our team plays really well together. We all want to make it all the way. There are always things that we can improve, but we are all willing to put the work in.
Do you know much about No. 8 Linn-Mar (Marion), your opponent in Tuesday’s regional final?
We don’t know much about this team, but no matter what team we are playing we go into the game with confidence and ready to play.
Plans for next year?
I will be attending Iowa State University and planning to try out for their competitive travel team (NCSA) while studying Human Science.