Valley pitcher Maddie Zlomke recorded only three strikeouts during Monday's softball game against visiting Ankeny. The Hawkettes had no trouble putting the ball in play. They just didn't find many holes in Valley's defense. Zlomke had a perfect game through four innings and went on to toss a three-hitter as the third-ranked Tigers posted a 4-0 victory … [Read more...] about ‘We had a lot of outs in the air’: Hawkettes held to 3 hits in 4-0 loss at No. 3 Valley
Softball
‘We’re just really starting to trust the process’: Hawkettes finish 3-1 at Creston
A trip to Creston may have provided a midseason spark for the Ankeny softball team. After getting off to a 4-7 start, the Hawkettes traveled to Union County over the weekend and won three of four games in the John Stephens Classic. The last three games were against Class 4A rated opponents. Ankeny (7-8) closed out the tournament on Saturday with an 8-7 … [Read more...] about ‘We’re just really starting to trust the process’: Hawkettes finish 3-1 at Creston
‘We had a lot of kids step up’: Hawkettes make adjustments, romp past Dowling
After dropping six of its previous seven games, the Ankeny softball team needed to make some adjustments. The 13th-ranked Hawkettes responded on Wednesday with a 7-2 victory over visiting Dowling Catholic. "It was nice to get a 'W'," said Ankeny coach Sarah Saladino. "We've just gone back to work at practice and changed up a few things that we were … [Read more...] about ‘We had a lot of kids step up’: Hawkettes make adjustments, romp past Dowling
‘We’ve just got to tighten up our defense’: Errors prove costly as Hawkettes fall twice
Ankeny softball pitchers Aubrey Lensmeyer and Kaylyn Miller both had decent outings on the mound Monday against one of the state's best teams. Unfortunately, a lack of timely hits and some costly errors resulted in a pair of losses for the 13th-ranked Hawkettes. No. 2 Waukee Northwest swept both games of a CIML Conference doubleheader on the road, 5-1 … [Read more...] about ‘We’ve just got to tighten up our defense’: Errors prove costly as Hawkettes fall twice
‘We just had to trust the process’: Ankeny girls beat S.E. Polk to end four-game slide
It was a much-needed win for the Ankeny softball team. After dropping a 3-2 decision at 11th-ranked Southeast Polk in the opener of a doubleheader on Thursday, the No. 13 Hawkettes ended a four-game losing skid with a 6-4 victory in the nightcap. Ankeny took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, then used a four-run second to break the game open. The Rams … [Read more...] about ‘We just had to trust the process’: Ankeny girls beat S.E. Polk to end four-game slide
‘We have to find ways to score’: Hawkettes tumble twice to Urbandale softball team
The seventh-ranked Ankeny softball team dropped both games of a doubleheader against visiting Urbandale on Wednesday. The J-Hawks rallied from a 5-1 deficit in the second game to complete the sweep with a 10-5 victory. They scored two runs runs in the fourth inning, then used a five-run fifth to take an 8-5 lead. "They're a decent team," Ankeny … [Read more...] about ‘We have to find ways to score’: Hawkettes tumble twice to Urbandale softball team
Centennial girls pound 5 home runs, romp to 12-0 rivalry victory over Hawkettes
After teammates Jordyn Kennedy and Mady Ott connected for back-to-back roundtrippers during the third inning of Monday's softball game at Ankeny, Ankeny Centennial junior Kori Lincicum felt some pressure to keep the home run party going. "I was like, 'Uh oh,'" Lincicum said. "They put a big window out there for me. But I just tried to make contact. I … [Read more...] about Centennial girls pound 5 home runs, romp to 12-0 rivalry victory over Hawkettes
‘It was awesome!’: Hawkettes celebrate coach’s birthday with sweep over Waukee
The Ankeny softball players gave head coach Sarah Saladino a perfect birthday present. The seventh-ranked Hawkettes rebounded from Wednesday's season-opening loss to sweep a doubleheader on Thursday against visiting Waukee, the No. 11 team in Class 5A. They won by scores of 3-1 and 2-1 to give their first-year coach her first two victories with the … [Read more...] about ‘It was awesome!’: Hawkettes celebrate coach’s birthday with sweep over Waukee
‘We came out strong right away’: Ankeny takes 4-0 lead before Dragons rally to win
The seventh-ranked Ankeny softball team jumped out to a 4-0 lead before No. 10 Johnston rallied for a 6-4 victory in a CIML Conference game on Wednesday at Ankeny. It was the season opener for both squads. "That's what it's going to be like every night," said first-year Ankeny coach Sarah Saladino. "Whether it's a single (game) or a doubleheader, … [Read more...] about ‘We came out strong right away’: Ankeny takes 4-0 lead before Dragons rally to win
Several starters are back as Saladino takes over Hawkettes’ softball program
The move across the diamond to the third base coach's box has been a smooth one for Ankeny softball coach Sarah Saladino. Before taking over the Hawkettes' program last fall, Saladino had served as the assistant for coach Dave Bingham since 2019. She previously had been a head coach at Waterloo West for four years. "Overall, I think that it has been a … [Read more...] about Several starters are back as Saladino takes over Hawkettes’ softball program
Iowa Central all-American Palmer commits to play softball at St. Cloud State
Former Ankeny softball standout Kennedy Palmer has committed to play for St. Cloud State. Palmer, a sophomore infielder at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, has helped the Tritons to a 30-5 record in 2024-25. She is currently batting .378 with one triple, six doubles and 16 RBIs in 30 games played. "I had a few schools that were high up on … [Read more...] about Iowa Central all-American Palmer commits to play softball at St. Cloud State
‘Can’t wait to see what the future holds’: Ankeny’s Miller to play softball at Coe
Ankeny senior Kaylyn Miller has verbally committed to play softball at Coe College. Miller announced her decision via social media on Tuesday. "I am so excited to announce my academic and athletic commitment to Coe College!!" Miller tweeted on X. "I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible, especially all of my … [Read more...] about ‘Can’t wait to see what the future holds’: Ankeny’s Miller to play softball at Coe
Ankeny assistant Saladino hired to take over Hawkettes’ softball program
Ankeny assistant softball coach Sarah Saladino has been hired to take over the Hawkettes' program. She replaces head coach Dave Bingham, who recently announced his resignation after guiding Ankeny to a 293-188 record and four trips to the state tournament over the last 12 seasons. "There's a lot of great things that coach Bingham has put in place," … [Read more...] about Ankeny assistant Saladino hired to take over Hawkettes’ softball program
Ankeny’s Nelson commits to play for Creighton, will reunite with Rusher in 2026
Ankeny softball standout Avery Nelson has verbally committed to play for Creighton, beginning in the fall of 2026. Nelson, a junior outfielder, will be reunited with former teammate Abby Rusher, who is currently a freshman in the Bluejays' program. "I am super excited that I get the opportunity to play with Abby again!" said Nelson. "Her parents were … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Nelson commits to play for Creighton, will reunite with Rusher in 2026
‘I loved the environment’: Arringdale commits to play softball for Mississippi St.
Ankeny softball standout Kensington Arringdale has verbally committed to play for Mississippi State. The junior infielder announced her decision via social media on Sunday. "I had two official offers, but I also had other visits to go on and to hear from those schools," said Arringdale. "I went on three official visits and had two others set up, but I … [Read more...] about ‘I loved the environment’: Arringdale commits to play softball for Mississippi St.
‘We have grandkids now’: Bingham leaves after 12 seasons as Ankeny softball coach
Dave Bingham has resigned after 12 seasons as the head coach of the Ankeny softball team. Bingham, who guided the Hawkettes to a 293-188 record and four trips to the state tournament, said it's too early to call it a retirement. "I'll never rule anything out (as far as coaching again)," he said. "But right now I need to focus on work and my … [Read more...] about ‘We have grandkids now’: Bingham leaves after 12 seasons as Ankeny softball coach
Five Jaguars earn all-state honors along with Ankeny’s Rusher, ACA’s Quick
Five Ankeny Centennial softball players have received all-state honors from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association along with Abby Rusher of Ankeny and Katie Quick of Ankeny Christian Academy. The Jaguars placed Jordyn Kennedy, Mady Ott and Lauren Sandholm on the Class 5A first team. They were joined on the squad by Rusher, who was a repeat pick along with … [Read more...] about Five Jaguars earn all-state honors along with Ankeny’s Rusher, ACA’s Quick
Centennial’s Kennedy, Sandholm, Ott named to CIML Conference first team
Ankeny Centennial softball stars Jordyn Kennedy and Lauren Sandholm were both repeat selections to the CIML Conference first team by a vote of the league's coaches. They were joined on the squad by teammate Mady Ott, who helped the Jaguars to a share of the conference championship. Ten Centennial players and 11 more from Ankeny earned all-conference … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Kennedy, Sandholm, Ott named to CIML Conference first team
Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Aubrey Lensmeyer, Ankeny softball
Junior Aubrey Lensmeyer helped the Ankeny softball team to a 22-22 record and a fourth-place finish in the Class 5A state tournament, the Hawkettes' highest finish since the split into two high schools a decade ago. She was named to the CIML Conference third team as a pitcher. Lensmeyer compiled a 7-10 mark with a 3.54 ERA. She allowed just 40 walks while … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Aubrey Lensmeyer, Ankeny softball
Centennial trio, ACA duo earn all-district honors along with Ankeny’s Rusher
Ankeny Centennial softball standouts Jordyn Kennedy, Mady Ott and Lauren Sandholm have been selected to the Class 5A West all-district team along with Ankeny star Abby Rusher, while the Ankeny Christian Academy duo of Riese Gjerde and Katie Quick were named to the Class 1A South Central all-district squad. The teams were selected by the Iowa Girls' Coaches … [Read more...] about Centennial trio, ACA duo earn all-district honors along with Ankeny’s Rusher