Senior pitcher Lauren Gustofson was named to the all-tournament team after helping the Ankeny Centennial softball team to its first state championship. She allowed just three hits over the first four innings as the Jaguars rolled to an 11-0 victory over Pleasant Valley in five innings in the Class 5A title game on Thursday at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge.
Gustofson compiled a 13-2 record with a 2.39 ERA this season. She allowed just 30 walks while racking up 117 strikeouts in 99 2/3 innings and was named to the CIML Conference third team after helping the Jaguars to the league crown.
Gustofson also had a two-run single in the championship game. She batted .275 on the year with two home runs, five doubles and 21 RBIs.
Here is some inside info on Gustofson:
Congratulations on winning the state title. Has it sunk in yet that you’re a state champion?
It hasn’t really sunk in fully yet as this has always been a huge goal since eighth grade to not only make it to state, but to also win!
Did you and your teammates do anything special to celebrate?
After the game we got an escort back by the Ankeny Fire Department and then celebrated with family and friends in the Centennial gym! Later, some of us got together to celebrate more.
You had a two-run single during your team’s six-run first inning against Pleasant Valley. How much easier was it to pitch with a big lead?
It was definitely nice having some insurance runs, and we did just that.
Did you know much about Pleasant Valley’s hitters, since you hadn’t played them this season?
No, not really at all. We kind of looked at their lineup, but other than that, we didn’t know much.
Your teammate, Mady Ott, told me after the game, “Lauren was phenomenal. She had a little bit of an injury–a little bit sore–but she still showed up, and she pitched her heart out. She was great.” What kind of injury or soreness were you dealing with?
The last several weeks I’ve been dealing with a hip flexor strain, but have been working with the coolest trainer ever Alyssa who got me through the last part of the season!
Coach Delaney brought in Lauren Sandholm and then Jadeyn Stahr to close out the final inning in the championship game. What was your reaction in the dugout when shortstop Mariah Belzer made the catch for the final out?
When Mariah caught the last ball, it was the best feeling ever and I will never forget it. She is the best shortstop to have backing you up, and I’m so proud of her. It was such a great feeling running out to hug Sydney (Morris) once we had won.
You got the start and earned the victory in all five of your team’s postseason games. Did you have any idea going into the postseason that coach Delaney would rely on you so much?
Because we have so many great pitchers, I wasn’t for sure what the postseason would look like but am so glad that coach Delaney and my teammates had so much confidence in me! In the future there are so many pitchers like Cora (Boyle), Jordyn (Kennedy) and Lauren who I know will carry the team going forward.
I know you’re planning to attend Iowa next year and will be focusing on academics. What will you be studying?
At Iowa I will be studying environmental engineering as I’m really passionate about helping the planet be a better place!
What will you miss the most about playing softball?
The thing I will miss the most about softball is the people that I do it with. They make it all worth it, and I have so many memories I will cherish forever.
Do you think Centennial will win some more championships in the next few years, considering how many young starters will be returning?
I totally think Centennial will win more championships in the future because of the talent and heart that these girls have.
Do you have any big plans before school starts in the fall?
From now until going to Iowa I’m going to relax, get organized to move to Iowa City and get ready for college life! I am so excited to come back after the school year to watch my teammates play and cheer them on!