(Story by Stephen McDaniel) Ankeny Centennial will be a tough softball team to beat at any point this season, and a young Ankeny squad ran into its crosstown rival at a bad time. The second-ranked Jaguars saw the ball crystal clear from the plate and racked up 15 hits from 10 different batters in a 16-3 victory in four innings in their first matchup of … [Read more...] about Centennial softball team blasts 5 home runs, rolls to 16-3 victory over Hawkettes
Summer
‘We were very patient and disciplined’: Jaguars pull away late for 11-4 rivalry win
(Story by Stephen McDaniel) The Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial baseball teams were locked in a close battle in their first meeting of the season. Then the Jaguars just pulled away at the end. Centennial scored eight combined runs in the fourth and fifth innings to bust things open as the Jaguars secured an 11-4 victory over the visiting Hawks in a … [Read more...] about ‘We were very patient and disciplined’: Jaguars pull away late for 11-4 rivalry win
‘Those were two tough losses’: Hawks’ slide continues at Bondurant-Farrar
It's been a rough start to the season for the Ankeny baseball team. The Hawks were hoping to turn things around on Friday at Bondurant-Farrar, but the Bluejays rallied to win both games of a non-conference doubleheader by scores of 4-3 and 2-1. "Those were two tough losses," said Ankeny coach Joe Balvanz, whose team dropped to 1-9. "But tip your hat to … [Read more...] about ‘Those were two tough losses’: Hawks’ slide continues at Bondurant-Farrar
Waukee softball team rallies twice to sweep doubleheader against Hawkettes
Despite dropping both games of a doubleheader on Thursday at Waukee, Ankeny softball coach Sarah Saladino saw a lot of positives in her team's play. "The girls showed a ton of grit all night long," she said. "We embraced the pressure tonight." The Hawkettes scored five runs in the sixth inning to take an 8-6 lead in the nightcap. They were only six … [Read more...] about Waukee softball team rallies twice to sweep doubleheader against Hawkettes
‘We gave up too many free bases’: Hawks allow 20 walks in pair of losses at Waukee
The Ankeny baseball team allowed only 11 total hits during Thursday's doubleheader at Waukee. Unfortunately, the Hawks' pitchers struggled to find the strike zone, giving up a combined 20 walks in the two games. The Warriors took advantage of the free passes to sweep Ankeny by scores of 7-4 and 9-1. "We gave up too many free bases for sure," said … [Read more...] about ‘We gave up too many free bases’: Hawks allow 20 walks in pair of losses at Waukee
‘Those are big momentum killers’: Hawks waste early chances in loss at Johnston
Some early opportunities to score slipped away from the Ankeny baseball team, and it proved to be costly. The Hawks went on to drop a 9-2 decision at Johnston in their CIML Conference opener on Wednesday. It was the first win of the season for the Dragons, who improved to 1-2 overall. "We had runners on first and second with nobody out early … [Read more...] about ‘Those are big momentum killers’: Hawks waste early chances in loss at Johnston
Arringdale, Hogan, Hutchins hit blasts to lead Hawkettes to 14-7 win at Johnston
The Ankeny softball team pounded out 18 hits, seven of them for extra bases, and rolled to a 14-7 victory at Johnston in its CIML Conference opener on Wednesday. Every Ankeny starter had at least one base hit, and six of them had multiple hits. The Hawkettes scored five runs in the seventh inning to seal the win after Johnston had rallied from an 8-1 … [Read more...] about Arringdale, Hogan, Hutchins hit blasts to lead Hawkettes to 14-7 win at Johnston
‘We just need to be more consistent’: Ankeny held to 3 hits in 4-1 loss to ADM
After scoring 17 runs in its season opener on Wednesday, the Ankeny softball team managed just three hits in a 4-1 loss to visiting ADM (Adel) in a non-conference game on Tuesday. ADM got a combined 11 strikeouts from Makenna Pitlick and Lauren Hagedorn. Pitlick tossed three perfect innings to earn the win. It was the season opener for the Tigers, who … [Read more...] about ‘We just need to be more consistent’: Ankeny held to 3 hits in 4-1 loss to ADM
Hawks rally for 2 runs in 7th inning, beat Dubuque Hempstead for their first victory
The Ankeny baseball team rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to earn its first win of the season on Saturday. Ryan Wille hit a walk-off single to give the Hawks a 5-4 victory over Dubuque Hempstead in the Herkelman Invitational at Cedar Rapids Xavier. Wille went 3-for-4 and drove in two runs. "We had some good at-bats, ran the … [Read more...] about Hawks rally for 2 runs in 7th inning, beat Dubuque Hempstead for their first victory
‘I see a lot of potential in this group’: Balvanz unfazed by Hawks’ 0-3 start
The Ankeny baseball team dropped a 6-1 decision to visiting North Polk in the completion of a suspended game on Thursday. The Hawks trailed by 6-1 in the fifth inning when the non-conference contest was halted by lightning on Monday. Neither team was able to score when play resumed. North Polk remained unbeaten at 3-0. "I thought all the relief … [Read more...] about ‘I see a lot of potential in this group’: Balvanz unfazed by Hawks’ 0-3 start
Hawkettes erupt for 17 runs in victory at Class 4A No. 8 North Polk to open season
If Wednesday's season opener is any indication, the Ankeny softball team is going to have an entertaining season. The Hawkettes put up crooked numbers in four different innings and never trailed en route to a 17-10 victory at North Polk, the No. 8 team in Class 4A. "We had great production at the plate and confidence in our approach, solid defense … [Read more...] about Hawkettes erupt for 17 runs in victory at Class 4A No. 8 North Polk to open season
‘That’s a pretty solid ball club’: Spartans sweep doubleheader against Ankeny
Ankeny baseball coach Joe Balvanz likes to play a challenging schedule to prepare his team for postseason play. Visiting Pleasant Valley provided a huge test for the Hawks on Wednesday. The Spartans swept the non-conference doubleheader by scores of 5-0 and 10-3. They raised their record to 4-0 after sweeping Rock Island, Ill., on Tuesday. "We are … [Read more...] about ‘That’s a pretty solid ball club’: Spartans sweep doubleheader against Ankeny
‘Set the Standard’: Saladino’s Hawkettes look to continue progress in 2026 season
The Ankeny softball team returns several starters from last year's squad, but the Hawkettes will have to replace their top two pitchers. Aubrey Lensmeyer and Kaylyn Miller both graduated after helping the team to a 13-27 record in its first season under coach Sarah Saladino. Those two combined to pitch all but 14 of the 250 2/3 innings that the Hawkettes … [Read more...] about ‘Set the Standard’: Saladino’s Hawkettes look to continue progress in 2026 season
‘We have a strong group of seniors’: Ankeny baseball team boasts deep roster
It won't be easy for Joe Balvanz to replace one of the best leaders he's ever coached in the Ankeny baseball program. Shortstop Kinnick Vos graduated last year and is now playing at Black Hawk Community College in Moline, Ill. He led the Hawks to a 14-25 record as a senior. Voss batted .350 with five doubles and 16 RBIs while leading the team with four … [Read more...] about ‘We have a strong group of seniors’: Ankeny baseball team boasts deep roster
‘It was a great opportunity’: Ankeny’s Minner commits to play for Indiana State
Ankeny pitcher Hunter Minner has verbally committed to play for Indiana State. A recruiting trip to Terre Haute sold Minner on the Sycamores. "I went on a visit to Indiana State and got to see the campus facilities and meet the coaches, and it was a great opportunity," said Minner. "Overall, what I was impressed with was the coaches and the atmosphere. … [Read more...] about ‘It was a great opportunity’: Ankeny’s Minner commits to play for Indiana State
Jags’ Houser commits to Northeast Iowa; Indian Hills lands Buffington, Wildebour
Ankeny Centennial senior Trae Houser has committed to play baseball at Northeast Iowa Community College, while Ryan Buffington and Logan Wildebour of Ankeny are both headed to Indian Hills Community College. All three players committed over the weekend. Houser said he talked to a number of schools at different levels before making his decision. "It was … [Read more...] about Jags’ Houser commits to Northeast Iowa; Indian Hills lands Buffington, Wildebour
‘It was a blessing in disguise’: Ankeny’s Nelson to play softball at Iowa Western
Ankeny outfielder Avery Nelson was planning to play college softball in the city of Omaha, Neb. Now, the senior-to-be will be starting her college career in nearby Council Bluffs. After previously committing to play for Creighton, Nelson has now committed to play for Iowa Western Community College. She said her decision to decommit from the Bluejays … [Read more...] about ‘It was a blessing in disguise’: Ankeny’s Nelson to play softball at Iowa Western
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kinnick Vos, Ankeny baseball
Senior shortstop Kinnick Vos helped the Ankeny baseball team to a 14-25 record this season. He was named to the CIML Conference first team at a utility position after batting .350 with four triples, five doubles and 16 RBIs. Vos played for the Large Schools West team in the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Series on July 31-Aug. 2. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kinnick Vos, Ankeny baseball
Vos to play for Large Schools West in IHSBCA All-Star Series on his home field
Ankeny baseball standout Kinnick Vos will get two more chances to play on his home field. The senior shortstop has been selected to play in the 2025 Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Series. The games will be played at Ankeny High School on Thursday and Friday before moving to Urbandale for the final day of games on Saturday. Vos … [Read more...] about Vos to play for Large Schools West in IHSBCA All-Star Series on his home field
Centennial quartet, ACA duo, Ankeny’s Lensmeyer earn all-state softball honors
Four Ankeny Centennial softball players have earned all-state honors from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association along with two from Ankeny Christian Academy and one from Ankeny. Junior infielder Jordyn Kennedy and junior outfielder Mady Ott of Centennial were both named to the Class 5A first team. Senior pitcher Aubrey Scieszinski of Centennial was selected … [Read more...] about Centennial quartet, ACA duo, Ankeny’s Lensmeyer earn all-state softball honors