The Ankeny softball team is hoping to get another shot at CIML Conference rival Southeast Polk.
After the two squads split a doubleheader on June 5 at Pleasant Hill, the sixth-ranked Rams traveled to Ankeny on Tuesday for a make-up game and posted an 8-5 victory in eight innings. They scored two runs in the sixth inning to tie it at 5-5 and then used a three-run eighth to earn their fifth straight win.
Brette Bentz (0-1) took the loss in relief of Alia Zimmerman. She allowed three earned runs on five hits and had four strikeouts over the last four innings.
Ankeny coach Sarah Saladino elected not to use her top two pitchers, Aubrey Lensmeyer and Kaylyn Miller, because the Hawkettes could potentially play at Southeast Polk in a Class 5A regional final in two weeks.
“We had a different pitching plan based on the pitchers we have on staff,” said Saladino. “They did well on the mound, and we produced runs throughout the whole game to complement the pitchers.”
Ankeny held a 5-3 lead after four innings, but the Hawkettes were then held scoreless the rest of the way by Southeast Polk freshman Carly Kielman. It was just the eighth appearance of the season for Kielman (1-0), who lowered her ERA to 1.56.
Ankeny had much more success against starter Madi Bice. Morgan Fisher led the team’s 12-hit attack, going 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored.
Miller and Lensmeyer each doubled and drove in two runs. Avery Nelson went 2-for-4, scored two runs and knocked in another.
Madison Meyers went 2-for-4 with a double. Brylee Bach also went 2-for-4.
“We came out attacking early and hit the ball well and consistent all game,” Saladino said.
Kennedy Borud went 3-for-5 with a homer, a double and three RBIs for the Rams. It was her ninth home run of the season.
Leadoff hitter Halle Clark went 4-for-5 with a double, scored a run and drove in another. Jadyn Woods had a double and scored a pair of runs.
Southeast Polk improved to 14-6 in the conference and 23-9 overall. The Hawkettes’ records fell to 6-15 and 11-22.
“As a staff, we are proud of the continued grit and resilience this team shows each night,” Saladino said. “This was another great opportunity to continue to tighten up on the mechanics as well as the process at the plate as we prepare for the postseason.”
Ankeny will play a conference game on Wednesday at No. 1 Waukee Northwest, which clinched at least a share of the league title on Tuesday with a 3-0 win over No. 5 Johnston. The Wolves, who extended their winning streak to 24 games, are now 19-2 in the conference and 31-3 overall.
Northwest swept a doubleheader at Ankeny on June 9 and can wrap up the outright crown with another victory over the Hawkettes.