It didn’t take long for the Ankeny Centennial softball team to bounce back from its first loss of the season.
Less than 24 hours after dropping a 6-5 decision to top-ranked Waukee Northwest on Thursday, No. 2 Centennial recorded a pair of shutout victories in the Jaguar Invitational on Friday. Coach Brett Delaney’s team posted a 6-0 win over Ames, then followed with an 11-0 victory over No. 8 Cedar Rapids Kennedy in four innings.
“It was another great opportunity versus two quality opponents,” said Delaney. “We had a good game the night before and an early morning game the next day. I was proud of the energy the group brought.”
Jordyn Kennedy led the way against the Cougars (6-4). She went 2-for-3 with a home run, her fourth of the season, and had six RBIs.
Kori Lincicum went 3-for-3 with a double and drove in a run. Gracie Anderson went 2-for-2 and scored a run.
Lauren Bartine had two RBIs in the win. Delaney Wyble and Cami Starr each knocked in a run.
Peyten Spiegel (2-0) tossed a two-hitter and had four strikeouts as Centennial improved to 9-1 on the season.
Lauren Sandholm (5-0) combined on a one-hitter with Lyla Hoeppner and Ashley Sterling against Ames (6-2). Sandholm walked two and had nine strikeouts over the first four innings.
Mady Ott went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Lincicum added a solo home run, her team-leading fifth of the season.
Ava Faber and Kennedy each drove in a run. Addi Frederick scored a pair of runs.
The Jaguars will play a CIML Conference doubleheader on Monday at Dowling Catholic. The Maroons are 0-4 in the league and 4-4 overall.
“We are a quarter of the way through the season now, and we are grateful for all the opportunities and look forward to continue working on the small things,” Delaney said.