Centennial girls rally past Interstate 35 for 6-5 victory on their Senior Night

Ankeny Centennial third baseman Addi Starr makes a throw to first for an out during Wednesday’s game against visiting Interstate 35 (Truro). Starr drove in a run to help the Jaguars to a 6-5 victory in the non-conference game. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)

A four-run rally in the fifth inning allowed the Ankeny Centennial softball team to defeat visiting Interstate 35 (Truro), 6-5, in a non-conference game on Wednesday.

It was Senior Night for the top-ranked Jaguars, who improved to 27-4 on the season. Interstate 35, the No. 5 team in Class 2A, dropped to 19-12.

“It would have been disappointing (to lose) because we wanted to win for us seniors tonight,” said Centennial outfielder Mackenzie James. “It was important to us that we win that game.”

Ankeny Centennial’s Mackenzie James slides safely across home plate to score a run during Wednesday’s game. She went 2-for-3 with a double, scored two runs and had one RBI in the Jaguars’ win. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)

Lauren Sandholm pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of starter Jadeyn Stahr to earn the victory. Sandholm, who lifted her mark to 11-1, allowed just one hit and had five strikeouts.

Stahr was one of six seniors honored before the game. She allowed three earned runs on six hits over the first 4 1/3 innings.

**Ankeny Centennial’s Jadeyn Stahr throws a pitch during Wednesday’s game. She was one of six seniors who were honored before the contest. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)**

James went 2-for-3 with a double in the win. She scored two runs, drove in another and also made a huge play on defense with an outstanding catch in center field..

Cora Boyle, Jordyn Kennedy, Mariah Belzer and Addi Starr each had an RBI for the Jaguars. Belzer, Sydney Morris, Lauren Gustofson and Malin Vallejo were the other seniors who started along with Stahr and James.

**Ankeny Centennial runner Mariah Belzer slides into second base during Wednesday’s game. She drove in a run in the Jaguars’ victory. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)**

The Roadrunners scored two runs in the top of the first inning before Centennial answered with a run in the bottom of the frame. Each team scored a run in the fourth, then Interstate 35 added two more in the top of the fifth to build a 5-2 lead.

That set the stage for the Jaguars’ big rally in the bottom of the fifth.

Centennial will play a CIML Conference doubleheader at No. 5 Southeast Polk (25-8) on Thursday. The Jaguars have already clinched the league crown.