The second-ranked Ankeny Centennial softball team moved into sole possession of first place in the CIML Conference by sweeping a doubleheader on Wednesday at No. 5 Southeast Polk.
The Jaguars posted a 5-3 victory in the opener, then completed the sweep with a 7-3 win. They are now 6-0 in the conference and 7-0 overall, while Southeast Polk’s records dropped to 2-2 and 4-3.
No. 1 Waukee Northwest suffered its first loss in the nightcap of a doubleheader on Wednesday at Waukee. The Wolves (4-1, 6-1) will visit Centennial on Thursday for another huge twinbill.
“The CIML is the is the best softball in the state,” said Centennial coach Brett Delaney. “We are excited about every opportunity we get to compete against the best, and we don’t take anything for granted.”
Kori Lincicum shined at the plate and in the pitcher’s circle against the Rams. She went 2-for-2 with a solo homer, her fourth of the season, in the second game.
Lincicum (1-0) also got the win, allowing three earned runs on just one hit over the first five innings. She walked seven and had four strikeouts before Lyla Hoeppner came in and tossed two hitless innings of relief.
“Kori got her first start and pitched very well!” Delaney said. “She battled adversity and combined on a one-hitter with Lyla. Lyla got her first varsity work and came in during a high-pressure situation confident and composed! I’m very proud of both of them.”
Mady Ott went 2-for-2 with a double and four RBIs in the win. Jordyn Kennedy also knocked in a run.
In the first game, Lincicum went 2-for-3 with a double and scored a run. Delaney Wyble blasted a solo homer, her third of the year.
Kennedy went 1-for-1 with two walks and two RBIs. Ott and Lauren Bartine each drove in a run.
Lauren Sandholm (4-0) scattered seven hits to remain unbeaten. She allowed three earned runs and had two strikeouts.
“It was a great team effort!” Delaney said. “Southeast Polk is a good team and well coached so we knew we would have to come in and execute. I was proud of our entire team’s energy and commitment and trust in each other all night long.”