Hatfield homers on first pitch, Sandholm tosses gem as Jaguars roll past Norwalk

Ankeny Centennial’s Mylie Hatfield is congratulated by her teammates after hitting a home run to lead off the bottom of the first inning in Wednesday’s game against visiting Norwalk. She ignited the Jaguars to an 8-0 victory in six innings in their season opener. (Photo by Dan Holm)

(Story by Dom Tornabane)

The Ankeny Centennial softball team opened its season in dominant fashion on Wednesday night.

The second-ranked Jaguars rolled to an 8-0 victory in six innings over visiting Norwalk, the No. 7 team in Class 4A. Newcomer Mylie Hatfield played a key role in the win, and so did the return of pitcher Lauren Sandholm.

After Sandholm got one of her eight strikeouts to end the top of the first inning, Hatfield led off the bottom of the frame by hitting a home run on the first pitch that she has ever seen as a Jaguar.

“(Just) staying loose and having fun with the people on the team,” Hatfield said of her homer. “We have a great culture with the team, and it’s very easy to relax and go up and hit the ball.”

**Ankeny Centennial runner Ava Faber scrambles back to first base during the first inning of Wednesday’s game. She walked four times and scored three runs in the Jaguars’ win. (Photo by Dan Holm)**

Hatfield, a senior, had previously focused on club ball. She played for Nebraska Gold before suiting up with Centennial this summer prior to joining South Dakota State’s program in the fall.

The impressive blast set the tone for the Jaguars, who also got a big game from senior slugger Jordyn Kennedy. She homered in the fifth inning and drove in four runs, two of which ended the game in the sixth.

Kennedy went 2-for-3 in the win, while Kori Lincicum added a pair of RBIs. Gracie Anderson also drove in a run.

**Ankeny Centennial’s Lauren Sandholm pitches to a Norwalk batter during Wednesday’s game. She tossed a two-hitter and had eight strikeouts for the Jaguars. (Photo by Dan Holm)**

That was more than enough support for Sandholm, who allowed just two hits and one walk in the shutout. The Mississippi State commit returned to the Jaguars’ squad this season after playing club ball in 2025.

“The focus isn’t really on the opponent and the name across the other team’s jersey,” Sandholm said. “It’s sticking to the stuff that I know.”

Sandholm got some help in the sixth inning from senior Mady Ott, who made a fantastic play in center field to prevent a hit for the Warriors. Ott also contributed at the plate with a double.

**Ankeny Centennial’s Cami Starr hits a pop fly during Wednesday’s game. (Photo by Dan Holm)**

Norwalk (0-2) was coming off a 9-1 loss on Monday at No. 4 Southeast Polk, which is one of the many teams in the CIML Conference that will test the Jaguars this season.

“We’re here to challenge the girls and look at one opportunity at a time to gradually get better and take advantage of opportunities given to us,” said Centennial coach Brett Delaney.

Centennial will open conference play on Wednesday by hosting Waukee (2-0).