The Ankeny Christian Academy softball team entered Friday’s Class 1A regional semifinal averaging about 10.7 runs per game.
The Eagles had not lost since dropping a 9-1 decision at Southeast Warren on June 16, which marked the only time this season that they scored fewer than four runs.
ACA’s 11-game winning streak came to an end, though, with its first shutout loss of the year. The Eagles dropped an 8-0 decision in five innings at Martensdale-St. Marys, which advanced to Monday’s regional final at third-ranked Fort Dodge St. Edmond (24-9).
“It was a tough way to end the season, and we definitely had some emotional goodbyes with four seniors out there,” said ACA coach James Crosby, whose team finished the season at 22-4. “But we won’t let it overshadow another great year of ACA ball. And I’m looking forward to continuing to build the program next year!”
The Blue Devils (15-15) took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. They added four runs in the third and then ended the game with two more in the fifth.
Maclaine German (10-8) tossed a two-hitter to earn the win. She walked none and had six strikeouts.
“Their pitcher was was working the zone real well,” Crosby said. “We were struggling to barrel the ball up.”
Leadoff hitter Ella Cassady went 3-for-4 to lead the way for the Blue Devils. She scored two runs and drove in another.
Caitlin Reines-Schmidt doubled and had two RBIs, while Madison Roach doubled and knocked in a run. Karson Oberender also had an RBI.