Rusher, Lensmeyer combine to shut down Dowling Catholic in Hawkettes’ sweep

Ankeny’s Abby Rusher pitches to a Dowling Catholic batter during the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader at Dowling. Rusher was the winning pitcher in both games as the Hawkettes swept the twinbill. (Photo by Dan Holm)

Abby Rusher and Aubrey Lensmeyer combined to allow just three runs as the Ankeny softball team swept a doubleheader on Wednesday at Dowling Catholic.

The seventh-ranked Hawkettes posted a 5-0 victory in the opener, then completed the sweep with a 9-3 triumph. They improved to 6-2 in the CIML Conference and 11-7 overall, while Dowling’s records dropped to 1-7 and 7-12 as the Maroons’ losing streak was extended to six games.

Ankeny sits in third place in the league, just one game behind co-leaders No. 2 Waukee Northwest and No. 5 Ankeny Centennial.

“Our pitchers only gave up three runs in 14 innings, and we didn’t have any errors,” said Ankeny coach Dave Bingham, whose team has now won four consecutive games. “We only gave up seven hits in the two games, so we were really solid.”

Rusher (6-3) was the winning pitcher in both games. She allowed just two hits and had eight strikeouts over the first five innings in the opener.

**Ankeny’s Lily Hans hits an infield single to drive in a run during the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader. (Photo by Dan Holm)**

Avery Nelson went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in the win, while Kensington Arringdale went 2-for-4 and scored a run. Lensmeyer had two RBIs.

“The top of the order really produced the first game,” Bingham said.

In the nightcap, Rusher and Lensmeyer combined for 13 strikeouts. Lensmeyer allowed no runs on just two hits across 3 2/3 innings.

Lensmeyer also homered and drove in three runs. It was her team-leading fourth home run of the season.

Ankeny’s Avery Nelson heads for first base after hitting the ball during the first game of Wednesday’s twinbill. Nelson went 6-for-8 on the night with two RBIs and four runs scored. (Photo by Dan Holm)

Nelson went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and three runs scored. Tenley Heidemann went 2-for-3 with a double and scored a run.

Arringdale, Ava Tomlinson and Gracyn Adams each knocked in a run.

“We’ve been working a lot on being disciplined and fundamental at the plate,” Bingham said. “Sometimes when you’re in a slump you have to go back to the basics so we did that. I’m really excited about the payoff. We want to score seven runs a game, and that’s what we averaged (on Wednesday).”

The Hawkettes will play in the Fort Dodge Invitational on Friday and Saturday. They will open the tournament against Clarksville (8-5), the No. 13 team in Class 1A.

“It’s special to go up there and play on the field where you want to be at the end of the season,” Bingham said.