Opposing softball teams have often pitched carefully to Ankeny Centennial’s Jordyn Kennedy this season.
Linn-Mar (Marion) decided to challenge the sophomore slugger on Saturday.
The strategy backfired in a big way.
Kennedy went 6-for-6 with four home runs, a double and eight RBIs as the fourth-ranked Jaguars swept a non-conference doubleheader on their home field. They posted a 15-10 victory in the first game, then completed the sweep with a 10-1 triumph.
Centennial (11-4) bounced back after losing the nightcap of Friday’s twinbill against Waterloo West.
“I think we did a great job coming back from (Friday),” said Kennedy. “We were told that two to three hits wouldn’t be able to win us a ball game. And I think that really stuck to us today. We attacked early on, and we were successful because of that.”
Centennial coach Brett Delaney said his team put the 3-2 loss to the Wahawks behind them.
“The girls came back to the park 12 hours later ready to do what it takes to get better,” he said. “I have some of the best assistants in the state and with their help and the girls’ desire to listen and put into action little things we have been noticing, it is pretty special. This journey we are on will have peaks and valleys, but there is no other group I would would want to do this with!”
Kennedy homered twice, doubled and had five RBIs in the second game. She now has a team-leading six homers on the season.
“It did feel good to get to see some pitches,” said Kennedy, who has been walked 10 times in 15 games. “Overall, I think today was a great day for us. It helps bring our confidence back to play how we know we can play.”
Mady Ott went 3-for-3 for the Jaguars and also had a home run, her fourth in the last six games. Payton Drefke, Addi Starr and Ava Faber each added an RBI.
Lauren Sandholm (4-2) was the winning pitcher. She tossed a five-hitter and had 13 strikeouts.
In the opener, Centennial built a 10-2 lead before Linn-Mar (5-10) rallied for six runs in the top of the third inning. But the Jaguars then answered with five runs in the bottom of the frame.
Kori Lincicum went 2-for-3 and drove in a pair of runs. She hit her fifth homer of the season.
Jessica Lathrop also went 2-for-3 and had two RBIs. Ott went 2-for-3 and scored three times.
Sandholm went 2-for-2 in the win, while Starr went 2-for-4. Starr, Addie Pollock and Cora Boyle each had an RBI, and Drefke doubled and scored a run.
Boyle (7-0) scattered 15 hits to earn the victory. She had four strikeouts and allowed just two earned runs as the Jaguars committed six errors.
Centennial will host a non-conference doubleheader against Cedar Falls (5-4) on Monday.
