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.
“I think the game on Thursday wasn’t anything we were upset about at all,” said Kennedy. “We all know Northwest is a good team, and we were able to score runs and answer back against them. Yes, we came up short but our willingness to keep playing and not give up I think let us all end on a high note. So Friday’s games didn’t feel any differently. We knew what we needed to do in order to win the games, and we did it.”
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.