Ankeny Fanatic

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Volleyball

Jaguars top Ankeny in semifinals, earn runner-up finish at Centennial Invite

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Saturday's Ankeny Centennial Invitational featured many of the state's top volleyball teams. Sixth-ranked Centennial defeated four ranked opponents, including No. 8 Ankeny, on its way to the championship match. Then, in the finals, the Jaguars dropped a 25-21, 25-17 decision to Dike-New Hartford--the No. 1 team in Class 2A. "It was an incredible day … [Read more...] about Jaguars top Ankeny in semifinals, earn runner-up finish at Centennial Invite

‘We have a long way to go’: Hawkettes drop opener at No. 2 Dowling in 4 sets

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Coach Liz Baethke knew that the season opener for her Ankeny volleyball team was going to be a tall task. Second-ranked Dowling Catholic, which features one of the state's top hitters in Mackenzie Dean and several other tall players, proved to be as formidable as she feared. The Maroons dropped the opening set on their home court before rallying to … [Read more...] about ‘We have a long way to go’: Hawkettes drop opener at No. 2 Dowling in 4 sets

Hawkettes enter season with high hopes despite injuries to Roush, Schrader

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It's been a rough start to the 2023 campaign for new head coach Liz Baethke and the Ankeny volleyball team. Baethke, who left Urbandale after 23 years to take over the Hawkettes' program, will begin the season without Ankeny's top two returning players. Senior right-side hitter Tanith Roush suffered a broken leg during the preseason, while senior outside … [Read more...] about Hawkettes enter season with high hopes despite injuries to Roush, Schrader

‘I love many things about Iowa State!’: Ankeny’s Hanfelt commits to Cyclones

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Another Ankeny volleyball player has made her college plans. A day after teammate Baileigh Carlsen verbally committed to play for Auburn, fellow junior Reagan Hanfelt announced her commitment to Iowa State on Thursday. "I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and volleyball career at Iowa State University!" Hanfelt … [Read more...] about ‘I love many things about Iowa State!’: Ankeny’s Hanfelt commits to Cyclones

War Eagle!: Ankeny defensive specialist Carlsen to play volleyball at Auburn

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Ankeny defensive specialist Baileigh Carlsen has verbally committed to play volleyball at Auburn, beginning in the fall of 2025. Carlsen, a junior, announced her decision on social media Wednesday. "I'm super excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Auburn University!" she wrote. "I would love to thank … [Read more...] about War Eagle!: Ankeny defensive specialist Carlsen to play volleyball at Auburn

Longtime Urbandale coach Baethke hired to take over Ankeny volleyball program

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The new head coach of the Ankeny volleyball team is already familiar with the Hawkettes' program. Longtime Urbandale coach Liz Baethke has been hired to replace Dani Kohut Lynch, who guided Ankeny to a 35-5 record in her only season at the school. Baethke accepted the position more than a month ago, but her hiring wasn't approved by the school board until … [Read more...] about Longtime Urbandale coach Baethke hired to take over Ankeny volleyball program

‘I’m very excited for this next chapter!’: Ankeny’s Carlson to play for Dordt

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Ankeny volleyball standout Myra Carlson has signed a letter of intent to play at Dordt University. Dordt is a private evangelical Christian university in Sioux Center. The Defenders posted a 13-12 record last season. "I knew I wanted to stay close to home so I narrowed it down to a few NAIA schools in Iowa," said Carlson. "The Christian environment and … [Read more...] about ‘I’m very excited for this next chapter!’: Ankeny’s Carlson to play for Dordt

‘GO BISON!’: Ankeny’s Roush commits to play volleyball at North Dakota St.

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Ankeny volleyball standout Tanith Roush has verbally committed to play for North Dakota State. Roush, a junior right-side hitter, announced her decision this week on social media. "I'm so very excited and thankful to announce my verbal commitment to North Dakota State University!" Roush wrote. "If you told me 11 months ago that I would continue my … [Read more...] about ‘GO BISON!’: Ankeny’s Roush commits to play volleyball at North Dakota St.

Ankeny assistant Sheldon named head volleyball coach at Pella High School

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Ankeny assistant volleyball coach Sam Sheldon felt like she was ready to take over her own program. Now, she'll be able to do just that. Sheldon has been named the head coach at Pella High School, pending school board approval. "I feel very ready to serve their community and lead this program," said Sheldon. Sheldon has been an assistant coach at … [Read more...] about Ankeny assistant Sheldon named head volleyball coach at Pella High School

Six players from Ankeny earn all-state volleyball honors, led by ACA trio

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Six players from Ankeny's three schools earned all-state volleyball honors from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association, while four others received honorable mention. State champion Ankeny Christian Academy led the way with three all-state honorees in Class 1A. Outside hitter Carley Craighead and setter Katie Quick were both named to the first team, while … [Read more...] about Six players from Ankeny earn all-state volleyball honors, led by ACA trio

ACA quartet, Ankeny foursome, Centennial duo earn all-district honors

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The state champion Ankeny Christian Academy volleyball team has placed four players on the Class 1A South Central all-district team by the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. Setter Katie Quick and middle hitter Anna Weathers were both selected to the squad along with outside hitters Carley Craighead and Macey Nehring. The four sophomores led the Eagles to … [Read more...] about ACA quartet, Ankeny foursome, Centennial duo earn all-district honors

Ankeny volleyball trio, Centennial’s Pratt named to CIML Conference first team

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The Ankeny volleyball team placed three players on the CIML Conference first team and had seven players recognized overall by the coaches in the new nine-team league. Ankeny Centennial, meanwhile, led the second team with three selections and had six players honored altogether. The Hawkettes placed senior setter Jesa Wallace, junior outside hitter … [Read more...] about Ankeny volleyball trio, Centennial’s Pratt named to CIML Conference first team

‘Valley just played lights out’: Tigers sweep Ankeny out of Class 5A tourney

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The Ankeny volleyball team's 17-match winning streak came to an end in stunning fashion. The second-ranked Hawkettes were swept out of the Class 5A state tournament with a 25-13, 26-24, 25-21 loss to No. 10 Valley in the quarterfinal round on Monday at Xtream Arena in Coralville. The Tigers (22-20) avenged three losses to Ankeny during the regular … [Read more...] about ‘Valley just played lights out’: Tigers sweep Ankeny out of Class 5A tourney

Hawkettes, Jaguars (and Eagles) ready to make deep runs in Coralville

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When the state volleyball tournament tips off on Monday in Coralville, second-ranked Ankeny and No. 6 Ankeny Centennial will both take the courts at Xtream Arena with a ton of confidence. The Hawkettes (35-4), who are riding a 17-match winning streak, will face No. 10 Valley (21-20) in a Class 5A quarterfinal at noon on Court Two. They already own three … [Read more...] about Hawkettes, Jaguars (and Eagles) ready to make deep runs in Coralville

Hawkettes sweep C.B. Lincoln, will take 17-match winning streak into state

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Aowyn Schrader played a key role on Ankeny's state championship volleyball team in 2020. Now, the junior outside hitter would like to experience that feeling again. Schrader pounded nine kills to lead the second-ranked Hawkettes to a 25-11, 25-10, 25-20 victory over No. 14 Council Bluffs Lincoln in a Class 5A regional final on Tuesday at … [Read more...] about Hawkettes sweep C.B. Lincoln, will take 17-match winning streak into state

ON TO STATE: Hawkettes, Jaguars punch their tickets to Class 5A tournament

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For the third straight year and the seventh time in 10 seasons, both Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial are headed to the state volleyball tournament. The second-ranked Hawkettes rolled to a 25-11, 25-10, 25-20 victory over No. 14 Council Bluffs Lincoln in a Class 5A regional final on Tuesday at Ankeny. They defeated the Lynx for the second time this season to … [Read more...] about ON TO STATE: Hawkettes, Jaguars punch their tickets to Class 5A tournament

Hawkettes dominate one Lincoln (D.M.), will host another one (C.B.) for trip to state

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The Ankeny volleyball team didn't overlook visiting Des Moines Lincoln in its postseason opener. The second-ranked Hawkettes romped to a 25-6, 25-7, 25-5 victory in a Class 5A regional semifinal on Thursday. "It was a good one," said Ankeny coach Dani Kohut Lynch. "Our whole team came ready to play, and I'm glad our younger players got a great … [Read more...] about Hawkettes dominate one Lincoln (D.M.), will host another one (C.B.) for trip to state

Hawkettes top Valley, complete perfect run through CIML Conference

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The transition into the CIML Conference worked out perfectly this season for the Ankeny volleyball team. The second-ranked Hawkettes completed a perfect run through the league schedule with a four-set victory on Tuesday at No. 9 Valley. They posted a 25-17, 20-25, 25-19, 25-20 triumph to extend their winning streak to 15 matches. Ankeny, which had … [Read more...] about Hawkettes top Valley, complete perfect run through CIML Conference

Hawkettes capture Bettendorf crown, extend winning streak to 14 matches

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The Ankeny volleyball team hasn't lost in the last month. The second-ranked Hawkettes cruised to the title of the Bettendorf Invitational on Saturday, winning all five of their matches without dropping a set. They have now won 14 consecutive matches. Ankeny, which hasn't lost since it fell to No. 4 Dowling Catholic in the championship match of the … [Read more...] about Hawkettes capture Bettendorf crown, extend winning streak to 14 matches