Cora Boyle and the Ankeny Centennial softball team didn't have any time to dwell on Thursday's season-opening loss to Norwalk. About 12 hours later, the top-ranked Jaguars were back on the diamond at the Johnston Invitational, where Boyle tossed a three-hitter and also went 2-for-4 at the plate in a 4-2 victory over No. 5 Ankeny. "We were ready to … [Read more...] about ‘We were ready to attack’: Boyle, Jaguars top Ankeny girls at Johnston Invitational
Summer
Hawks rally past Davenport North, but then fall to North Polk at Heggen Invite
The Ankeny baseball team rallied for a 10-8 victory over Davenport North before dropping a 4-2 decision to North Polk in the Tim Heggen Invitational on Saturday. The Hawks used a seven-run fifth inning to erase a 5-3 deficit against Davenport North (4-2). The Wildcats had taken the lead with a five-run fourth. "We responded to their big inning with a 7 … [Read more...] about Hawks rally past Davenport North, but then fall to North Polk at Heggen Invite
Hawks use 3-run 7th inning to beat Waukee, but Warriors salvage split
The Ankeny baseball team scored three runs in the seventh inning to post a 7-4 victory in the first game of a doubleheader on Wednesday at Waukee. The Warriors then followed with a 6-2 win in the nightcap to earn a split of the twinbill. They are now 2-1 in the CIML Conference and 4-2 overall, while Ankeny's records are 1-2 and 2-5. "We didn't play … [Read more...] about Hawks use 3-run 7th inning to beat Waukee, but Warriors salvage split
Hawkettes sweep Waukee as Lensmeyer, Johnson each blast pair of home runs
Ankeny's duo of Aubrey Lensmeyer and Cassie Johnson proved to be double trouble for the Waukee softball team on Wednesday. Lensmeyer hit two home runs in the first game to lead Ankeny to a 7-1 victory, then Johnson blasted a pair of roundtrippers as the fifth-ranked Hawkettes completed a sweep of a CIML Conference road doubleheader with a 12-3 win in the … [Read more...] about Hawkettes sweep Waukee as Lensmeyer, Johnson each blast pair of home runs
Dowling rallies to force extra innings, then erupts for 9-3 victory over Hawks
The Ankeny baseball team appeared to be on the verge of a huge victory on Monday night. But sixth-ranked Dowling Catholic refused to go away quietly. The host Hawks scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth to break a 1-1 tie, but Dowling then answered with two in the seventh to force extra innings. The Maroons later erupted for six runs in the ninth … [Read more...] about Dowling rallies to force extra innings, then erupts for 9-3 victory over Hawks
‘We’ve just got to hit better’: Hawkettes open season with 2-1 loss at Norwalk
The Ankeny softball team opened the season on Monday with a walk-off loss. The fifth-ranked Hawkettes dropped a 2-1 decision at Norwalk when Nyah Hulbert drove in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Warriors are ranked No. 2 in Class 4A. "At the end of the day we've just got to hit better," said Ankeny coach Dave … [Read more...] about ‘We’ve just got to hit better’: Hawkettes open season with 2-1 loss at Norwalk
‘Our culture is at an all-time high’: Ankeny girls to rely heavily on Division I recruits
Most high school softball teams don't have a Division I recruit on their roster. Ankeny is blessed to have three. The Hawkettes will again be led by seniors Cassie Johnson and Abby Rusher and junior Aubrey Lensmeyer. Johnson will play for Texas Tech next year, Rusher is headed to Creighton, and Lensmeyer has committed to South Dakota. Last year, the … [Read more...] about ‘Our culture is at an all-time high’: Ankeny girls to rely heavily on Division I recruits
‘It was just a day for us to grow’: Hawks take early lead, then fall to C.R. Kennedy
The Ankeny baseball team got off to a good start in Saturday's non-conference game at Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Unfortunately, the fifth-ranked Cougars responded. Kennedy erased an early 4-0 deficit to post a 13-8 victory. The Cougars improved to 6-0 on the season, while Ankeny's record dropped to 1-3. "We gave up two three-run bombs, and that was tough … [Read more...] about ‘It was just a day for us to grow’: Hawks take early lead, then fall to C.R. Kennedy
‘The wheels kind of fell off’: Bettendorf defeats Hawks with 7-run 7th inning
Visiting Bettendorf erupted for seven runs in the seventh inning and defeated the Ankeny baseball team, 11-5, in a non-conference game on Thursday. It was the home opener for the Hawks, who dropped to 1-2 on the season. "The wheels kind of fell off at the end," said Ankeny coach Joe Balvanz. "It took us 74 pitches to get through the sixth and seventh … [Read more...] about ‘The wheels kind of fell off’: Bettendorf defeats Hawks with 7-run 7th inning
‘This group has been dedicated’: Ankeny baseball team boasts high hopes
A year ago, the Ankeny baseball team came up one victory shy of qualifying for the Class 4A state tournament. Coach Joe Balvanz and the Hawks are hoping to clear that hurdle this season. "The practices have been going great," said Balvanz. "The players are working hard every day to improve their skill set and baseball IQ. This group has … [Read more...] about ‘This group has been dedicated’: Ankeny baseball team boasts high hopes
‘I built a good connection with them’: Webb-Tate commits to LSU-Shreveport
Former Ankeny baseball standout Tamden Webb-Tate has found a new home. After a successful freshman season at St. Charles Community College in Missouri, Webb-Tate has committed to play for LSU-Shreveport, an NAIA Division I program. "I talked to a few schools, but Shreveport really just stood out to me with how the coaches and staff showed love to me … [Read more...] about ‘I built a good connection with them’: Webb-Tate commits to LSU-Shreveport
‘I can’t wait to be a Griff!’: Ankeny’s Hans to play softball at Missouri Western
Ankeny senior Lily Hans will continue her softball career at Missouri Western State University. The Griffons are members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association and compete in NCAA Division II. "I can't wait to be a Griff!" Hans tweeted on Wednesday. Hans, an infielder, said she was really impressed by coach Joe Yegge and assistant … [Read more...] about ‘I can’t wait to be a Griff!’: Ankeny’s Hans to play softball at Missouri Western
‘I can’t wait to play for them’: Ankeny hurler Meyer to play baseball for Storm
Ankeny senior Nick Meyer has verbally committed to play baseball at Simpson College. Meyer said he considered a few other schools before choosing the Storm. "It ultimately wasn’t really a tough decision for me," he said. "I was familiar with the school with my mom being an alumna, so that made it a lot easier just knowing from prior knowledge what … [Read more...] about ‘I can’t wait to play for them’: Ankeny hurler Meyer to play baseball for Storm
‘Ultimately, I went with my heart’: Ankeny junior to play softball at South Dakota
Ankeny junior Aubrey Lensmeyer has verbally committed to play softball at South Dakota. Lensmeyer announced her decision via social media on Wednesday. "It was probably the hardest decision I have ever had to make," said Lensmeyer. "I kept going back and forth, and it took me a while to really figure out exactly what I wanted. Ultimately, I went with … [Read more...] about ‘Ultimately, I went with my heart’: Ankeny junior to play softball at South Dakota
Adamson, Watson, Pratt are playing for Large Schools West in All-Star Series
Seniors Brock Adamson and Max Watson of Ankeny along with Easton Pratt of Ankeny Centennial are participating in the 2023 All-Star Series this weekend at Merchants Park in Carroll. The event is sponsored by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. Adamson, Watson and Pratt will play for the Large Schools West team coached by Eric Evans of … [Read more...] about Adamson, Watson, Pratt are playing for Large Schools West in All-Star Series
Six Jaguars, four Hawkettes earn all-state honors from Girls’ Coaches Association
Six Ankeny Centennial softball players and four more from Ankeny have received all-state honors from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. Centennial coach Brett Delaney was also honored--he was named the Class 5A coach of the year after guiding the Jaguars to their first state championship. Senior catcher Sydney Morris of Centennial was selected to the … [Read more...] about Six Jaguars, four Hawkettes earn all-state honors from Girls’ Coaches Association
Delaney named district coach of the year; 3 Jaguars, 2 Hawkettes also honored
It was a storybook season for coach Brett Delaney and the Ankeny Centennial softball team. After guiding the Jaguars to a 36-5 record and the first state title in school history, Delaney has been named the Class 5A West district coach of the year by the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. He also led his team to the CIML Conference crown. Three of … [Read more...] about Delaney named district coach of the year; 3 Jaguars, 2 Hawkettes also honored
Jaguars, Hawks, Eagles earn all-district honors from Baseball Coaches Assoc.
Six Ankeny Centennial players have been named to the Class 4A North Central all-district first team by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association, while Ankeny landed two players on the second team. Three Ankeny Christian Academy players were honored in Class 1A. The Jaguars were represented on the first team by junior pitcher Joey Oakie, senior … [Read more...] about Jaguars, Hawks, Eagles earn all-district honors from Baseball Coaches Assoc.
Ankeny’s Miller, Winfrey named to academic all-state team by IGCA
Ankeny softball standouts Larissa Miller and Kendra Winfrey have been named to the academic all-state team by the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. To be selected for the squad, athletes must be a senior and have a cumulative GPA of 3.75 and an ACT minimum score of 27 or higher. A total of 56 players from across the state were named to the team. Miller, … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Miller, Winfrey named to academic all-state team by IGCA
James, Kennedy, Sandholm join Miller, Johnson, Rusher on all-CIML first team
Class 5A state champion Ankeny Centennial and state qualifier Ankeny both placed three softball players on the CIML Conference first team by a vote of the league's coaches. The Jaguars were represented by eighth grade pitcher Lauren Sandholm, freshman infielder Jordyn Kennedy and senior outfielder Mackenzie James, who was named to a utility position. … [Read more...] about James, Kennedy, Sandholm join Miller, Johnson, Rusher on all-CIML first team