Rylee Riesberg and the Ankeny softball team can’t wait for the start of postseason play.
That’s because the third-ranked Hawkettes are one of the state’s hottest teams.
Riesberg homered in both games, the first two homers of her varsity career, as Ankeny defeated a pair of opponents on Monday at Cedar Rapids. The Hawkettes posted a 4-3 victory over Cedar Rapids Xavier, the No. 7 team in Class 4A, and then rolled to a 12-2 win over West Delaware in five innings to extend their winning streak to nine games.
“It was a great opportunity to play today,” said Ankeny coach Dave Bingham, whose team raised its record to 29-6. “Our tradition is built on playing games and putting on the uniform. The girls were gritty today, and we improved in several areas we have been practicing.”
Riesberg hit a solo homer in the win over Cedar Rapids Xavier (25-12). She then went 2-for-3 with a double, a homer and two RBIs against West Delaware (16-21).
“I just reminded myself to relax, have fun, and trust all the work I’ve put in,” said Riesberg. “On top of the individual work, our team has been focusing a lot on our offensive game, so I was happy that I was able to contribute in a big way today and I appreciate the confidence that coach Bingham has in me!”
Ankeny used a two-run third inning to erase a 2-1 deficit against the Saints. The Hawkettes then scored what proved to be the winning run in the fourth.
Abby Rusher (18-4) was the winning pitcher, allowing two earned runs on seven hits over the first four innings. She also had five strikeouts.
“I think the more we win, the more confident we get,” Rusher said. “Going into postseason with positive attitudes and confidence will be crucial for us.”
Rusher also doubled and drove in a run. Kendra Winfrey had two RBIs.
Larissa Miller went 2-for-4 and scored a run. Cassie Johnson went 2-for-2 with a pair of walks.
In the win over West Delaware, Ankeny broke the game open with a seven-run second inning. The Hawkettes pounded out 11 hits off three pitchers, four of them for extra bases.
Reagan Enright hit a solo blast for her first home run of the season.
“The ladies were exceptional on offense,” Bingham said. “Enright hit a rocket.”
Johnson doubled and drove in a run. It was her 12th double of the season.
Larissa Miller went 2-for-2 with a pair of walks, three stolen bases and three runs scored. She has now swiped 37 bases in 39 attempts.
Kendra Lewis went 2-for-3, scored two runs and knocked in two more. Rusher also had two RBIs, while Winfrey drove in a run.
Winfrey (10-0) remained unbeaten by allowing only an unearned run on three hits over the first two innings. Praze Buchan then tossed the final three innings.
Ankeny, which will close out the regular season on Wednesday with a doubleheader at Ottumwa (17-14), could become the winningest team ever under Bingham. He guided the Hawkettes to 34 victories in his first season in 2013.
“It would be great to surpass 34. However, we try to focus on one game at a time,” Rusher said. “We just want to keep this amazing season going as long as we can, and breaking 34 wins in the process would be even better.”
