Ankeny Fanatic

Your Ankeny Sports Resource

Softball

Hawkettes come from behind twice to sweep doubleheader at Urbandale

by

The Ankeny softball team came from behind to win both games of a doubleheader on Wednesday at Urbandale. The Hawkettes completed the sweep with a 12-4 victory. They erased a 4-2 deficit with five runs in the fourth inning, four in the fifth and one more in the seventh. "We were disciplined on the bases tonight and created multiple opportunities to … [Read more...] about Hawkettes come from behind twice to sweep doubleheader at Urbandale

Centennial softball team blasts 5 home runs, rolls to 16-3 victory over Hawkettes

by

(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

Waukee softball team rallies twice to sweep doubleheader against Hawkettes

by

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

Arringdale, Hogan, Hutchins hit blasts to lead Hawkettes to 14-7 win at Johnston

by

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

by

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

Hawkettes erupt for 17 runs in victory at Class 4A No. 8 North Polk to open season

by

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

‘Set the Standard’: Saladino’s Hawkettes look to continue progress in 2026 season

by

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

‘It was a blessing in disguise’: Ankeny’s Nelson to play softball at Iowa Western

by

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

Centennial quartet, ACA duo, Ankeny’s Lensmeyer earn all-state softball honors

by

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

Kennedy, Ott, Scieszinski, Lincicum land spots on CIML Conference first team

by

The Ankeny Centennial softball team placed four players on the CIML Conference first team and four more on the third team. Two others earned honorable mention, while Ankeny matched the Jaguars with 10 players recognized overall. Junior infielder Jordyn Kennedy, junior outfielder Mady Ott and senior pitcher Aubrey Scieszinski of Centennial were all named … [Read more...] about Kennedy, Ott, Scieszinski, Lincicum land spots on CIML Conference first team

‘I’m always proud of this team’: Hawkettes drop nailbiter at S.E. Polk in regional final

by

After playing her final game in an Ankeny softball uniform, senior Aubrey Lensmeyer hugged her coaches before walking off the field at Southeast Polk. Her high school career had come to an end just a few minutes earlier with a 3-2 loss in a Class 5A regional final on Tuesday. "I'm always proud of this team," said Lensmeyer. "It's been an up-and-down … [Read more...] about ‘I’m always proud of this team’: Hawkettes drop nailbiter at S.E. Polk in regional final

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kaylyn Miller, Ankeny softball

by

Senior third baseman Kaylyn Miller helped the Ankeny softball team to a 5-1 victory at ninth-ranked Ames in a Class 5A regional semifinal on Saturday. The Hawkettes (13-26) will play at No. 3 Southeast Polk (30-10) in the regional final on Tuesday. Miller is batting .232 on the season with seven doubles and 17 RBIs. In the pitcher's circle, she has … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kaylyn Miller, Ankeny softball

‘I’m not surprised at all’: Confident Ankeny girls stun No. 9 Ames in regional semifinal

by

Aubrey Lensmeyer and her Ankeny softball teammates were confident going into Saturday's game at Ames--even though the contest looked like a mismatch on paper. "We were the underdogs going into it, but I'm not surprised (by the result)," said Lensmeyer. 'If this team plays our game, we can win and beat anyone." Lensmeyer tossed a six-hitter and also had … [Read more...] about ‘I’m not surprised at all’: Confident Ankeny girls stun No. 9 Ames in regional semifinal

Former Ankeny infielder Lewis transfers from Morehead State to James Madison

by

Former Ankeny softball standout Kendra Lewis has committed to play for James Madison University. Lewis, a third baseman and shortstop, is coming off a breakout season at Morehead State, where she earned all-OVC second-team honors as a sophomore. She will have two years of eligibility remaining. Lewis entered the transfer portal after starting all 49 … [Read more...] about Former Ankeny infielder Lewis transfers from Morehead State to James Madison

Hawkettes rally from 9-2 deficit, defeat Valley on Nelson’s walk-off double in 8th

by

It would not have been ideal for the Ankeny softball team to enter regional play on a seven-game losing skid. A dramatic rally in the first game of Monday's doubleheader against fourth-ranked Valley allowed the Hawkettes to avoid that scenario. Ankeny overcame a 9-2 deficit on its home field and got a walk-off double from Avery Nelson in the bottom of … [Read more...] about Hawkettes rally from 9-2 deficit, defeat Valley on Nelson’s walk-off double in 8th

Struggling Hawkettes fall to 11-25 with shutout losses to ADM, North Polk

by

The Ankeny softball team dropped a pair of games to Class 4A ranked opponents at the Dallas Center-Grimes Invitational on Thursday. The Hawkettes suffered a 3-0 loss to No. 4 ADM, then fell to No. 7 North Polk, 12-0, in four innings. They are now 11-25 on the season. ADM (24-6) scored a run in each of the first three innings. Lauren Hagedorn doubled, … [Read more...] about Struggling Hawkettes fall to 11-25 with shutout losses to ADM, North Polk

Ex-AHS softball star Rusher transfers to Bradley after freshman year at Creighton

by

Former Ankeny softball star Abby Rusher has transferred to Bradley University following her freshman season at Creighton. "So excited for this new chapter!" Rusher tweeted Tuesday on X in announcing her commitment to the Braves. Rusher, a pitcher, helped the Bluejays to a 30-25 record, including a 15-9 mark in the Big East Conference. She appeared in … [Read more...] about Ex-AHS softball star Rusher transfers to Bradley after freshman year at Creighton

No. 1 Wolves shut out Ankeny, capture outright CIML Conference championship

by

Despite dropping a 5-0 decision on Wednesday at top-ranked Waukee Northwest, the Ankeny softball team made the Wolves work for their 25th consecutive victory. Northwest led by only 2-0 through four innings. The Wolves tacked on a run in the fifth inning, then added two more in the sixth to wrap up the outright CIML Conference championship. "It was some … [Read more...] about No. 1 Wolves shut out Ankeny, capture outright CIML Conference championship

Hawkettes pound out 12 hits, but tumble to No. 6 S.E. Polk girls in extra innings

by

The Ankeny softball team is hoping to get another shot at CIML Conference rival Southeast Polk. After the two squads split a doubleheader on June 5 at Pleasant Hill, the sixth-ranked Rams traveled to Ankeny on Tuesday for a make-up game and posted an 8-5 victory in eight innings. They scored two runs in the sixth inning to tie it at 5-5 and then used a … [Read more...] about Hawkettes pound out 12 hits, but tumble to No. 6 S.E. Polk girls in extra innings