Waukee scores 6 runs in 1st inning, 5 in 2nd to sweep season series vs. Hawkettes

Ankeny’s Morgan Fisher slides across home plate to score a run during the first inning of Thursday’s game against visiting Waukee. The Hawkettes went on to drop an 11-1 decision in four innings. (Photo by Scott Byers)

The Ankeny softball team will look to regroup for the Fort Dodge Invitational this weekend after dropping an 11-1 decision to visiting Waukee in four innings on Thursday.

The 12th-ranked Warriors broke the game open right away with six runs in the first inning and five more in the second. They pounded out eight hits off four Ankeny pitchers, who also allowed 10 walks.

Freshman Abby Buenzow came on in relief and allowed no earned runs on just one hit over the final 2 2/3 innings. She also had a pair of strikeouts.

**Ankeny’s Abby Buenzow throws a pitch during Thursday’s game. She allowed no earned runs on just one hit over the final 2 2/3 innings. (Photo by Scott Byers)**

“It was just another opportunity to teach us about the game,” said Ankeny coach Sarah Saladino.

Morgan Fisher scored Ankeny’s lone run after drawing a leadoff walk in the first inning. Avery Nelson went 2-for-2 for the Hawkettes, while Emerson Hutchins had a double.

**Ankeny’s Emerson Hutchins blasts a double during Thursday’s game. (Photo by Scott Byers)**

Giana Lavorato and Jaden Van Pelt each had three RBIs as the Warriors completed a sweep of the season series. They improved to 7-7 in the CIML Conference and 10-8 overall, while Ankeny’s records dropped to 5-9 and 7-11.

The Hawkettes will play Winterset (11-9) in the opening round of the Fort Dodge tournament on Friday at 4 p.m. The Huskies are ranked ninth in Class 4A.