Junior Abby Rusher and senior Kendra Winfrey have handled most of the pitching duties this season for the Ankeny softball team.
On Friday in the Brent Prange Classic, the duo combined for a pair of shutouts while also going 7-for-13 at the plate with five RBIs.
“I like splitting games,” said Rusher. “It helps keep the opponent on their toes. Me and Kendra both offer completely different styles of pitching. For us to be able to switch on and off has already helped us in many games and will continue to help us in more to come.”
The righthanded Rusher and the lefthanded Winfrey teamed up for a no-hitter as the third-ranked Hawkettes rolled to a 10-0 win in five innings over Davis County (18-2), the No. 4 team in Class 3A. Rusher racked up 11 strikeouts over the first four innings before Winfrey got the final three outs.
Larissa Miller went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases and two runs scored in the win. She also had two RBIs, including a grounder that scored Josie Parton with the game-ending run.
Rylee Riesberg went 2-for-3 and knocked in three runs, while Winfrey also went 2-for-3 and had an RBI. Cassie Johnson went 2-for-4 with a double and drove in two runs.
Ankeny then followed with a 7-0 victory over Estherville Lincoln Central (24-3), the No. 5 team in Class 3A. Rusher and Winfrey combined on a two-hitter with 15 strikeouts.
Rusher (16-4) tossed the first four innings to earn her second win of the day, allowing just one hit while striking out nine. Winfrey then pitched the final three innings, giving up one hit and fanning six.
Rusher also went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs, while Winfrey went 2-for-4 and had an RBI.
“I think pitchers that are able to hit always brings so much more to the game,” Rusher said. “I love being able to help my team on offense just as much as I do defense, and I know Kendra feels the same (way).”
Kendra Lewis walked four times and scored three runs in the win. Riesberg, Aubrey Lensmeyer and Kayla Fox each knocked in a run.
Miller went 1-for-3 with a walk, scored twice and stole three more bases. She now leads the team with 30 steals, 17 more than any other player.
Ankeny will play a CIML Conference doubleheader at No. 2 Waukee Northwest (21-7) on Monday. The Hawkettes are 8-4 in the conference and need a sweep to keep their faint title hopes alive.
No. 1 Ankeny Centennial leads the conference with an 11-1 mark and needs only one win at No. 10 Johnston, or an Ankeny loss at Northwest, to clinch a share of the crown.
