The Ankeny softball team came from behind to win both games of a doubleheader on Wednesday at Urbandale.
The Hawkettes completed the sweep with a 12-4 victory. They erased a 4-2 deficit with five runs in the fourth inning, four in the fifth and one more in the seventh.
“We were disciplined on the bases tonight and created multiple opportunities to score,” said Ankeny coach Sarah Saladino. “When we did, we capitalized on them. We also did well on the mound and utilized multiple pitchers.”
Ava Schlee went 3-for-3 and drove in three runs in the nightcap. Reagan Hogan drove in two runs, while Sarah Munger went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI.
Emerson Hutchins went 2-for-4 and knocked in a run. Morgan Fisher went 1-for-2, walked three times and scored three runs.
Emma Munger (1-2) tossed an eight-hitter to earn the win. She needed just 73 pitches to record 21 outs.
“As always, I was very proud of the continued focus to get a sweep on the road and bounce back after a tough loss earlier in the week (to Ankeny Centennial),” Saladino said. “Emma threw in game two, which was a great complement to her sister’s performance in game one.”
Ankeny won the opener, 10-9, in eight innings as Taylor Hinshaw and Sarah Munger shared the pitching duties. Munger (1-0) allowed two earned runs on six hits over the final 4 1/3 innings.
“Taylor gave us a strong start, and Sarah stepped in to finish the game,” Saladino said. “She showed grit and competitiveness to stay tough during the extra inning.”
The Hawkettes held a 5-1 lead before Urbandale scored five runs in the fourth inning and two more in the fifth to build an 8-5 advantage.
Ankeny responded with two runs in the sixth and another in the seventh to tie the game. The Hawkettes then scored the go-ahead runs in the eighth.
Schlee went 2-for-4 and had two RBIs, while Hutchins went 2-for-5 and drove in two runs. Sarah Munger went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
“The approach at the plate was consistent, aggressive with a purpose and timely,” Saladino said. “Ava, Sarah and Emmy had two or more hits in each game tonight. I love watching these girls continue to compete and rise to the occasion!”
Payton Traynor homered in both games for the J-Hawks. Tatum Johnson also hit a blast in the first game.
Ankeny outfielder Avery Nelson injured her right wrist on the fence while trying to make a catch on one of those homers in the opener. Nelson, who then sat out the second game, was expected to be evaluated on Thursday morning.
The Hawkettes improved to 3-3 in the CIML Conference and 4-4 overall. Urbandale’s records dropped to 0-5 and 3-5.
Ankeny will host a conference doubleheader against fifth-ranked Southeast Polk on Thursday. The Rams are 2-2 in the league and 4-3 overall after being swept by No. 2 Ankeny Centennial on Wednesday.