Ava Martin scored a pair of goals in the first half and the eighth-ranked Ankeny Centennial girls’ soccer team went on to post a 4-0 victory at Southeast Polk on Tuesday.
McKenna Hilton and Emily Conger each added a goal for the Jaguars, who also got two saves from goalkeeper Kate Bergan en route to the shutout.
“We played together and as a team with really fun positive energy,” said Bergan. “We found ways to connect and find the back of the net and had the chance to put everyone on the field. The backline was able to switch the ball well and stay composed under pressure.”
Centennial improved to 2-3-1 in the CIML Conference and 7-5-1 overall. The Rams’ records dropped to 0-7 and 6-9.
“I thought we connected passes really well,” said senior midfielder Averi Porter. “It was fun to play with everyone again and be together.”
The Jaguars had several scoring chances early in the game, but they didn’t capitalize until Martin found the net in the 18th minute. She converted off a beautiful pass from Alanna Pennington.
“We connected well and were able to win almost every ball,” Pennington said.
Martin scored again in the 36th minute to give Centennial a 2-0 lead at halftime. She finished off a pretty through ball from Olivia Kroska.
The Jaguars extended the margin to 3-0 when Hilton blasted a shot from about 40 yards out and found the net in the 63rd minute.
“I thought I was closer than I was, but I saw a gap and took my chance,” Hilton said.
Conger completed the scoring with a goal in the 72nd minute. She was assisted by Emmarie Becker.
The Jaguars will play another conference game at No. 1 Waukee Northwest (12-1) on Friday. The Wolves’ only loss came to Whitefish Bay (Wis.), 2-1, on April 28 at the Tournament of Champions.