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
Softball
‘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
Lindaman becomes 9th Ankeny player to join IGHSAU Softball Hall of Fame
The 2012 Ankeny softball team was already blessed with a handful of stars. But when eighth grader Kendyl Lindaman joined the team's lineup, the Hawkettes became nearly unbeatable. Lindaman set a Class 5A tournament record with three home runs while helping Ankeny to the 13th state championship in school history. She was named the captain of the … [Read more...] about Lindaman becomes 9th Ankeny player to join IGHSAU Softball Hall of Fame
‘We were doubted for sure’: Hawkettes place 4th, their highest finish since 2013
When the Ankeny softball team entered postseason play on a six-game losing streak, the odds of the Hawkettes capturing a state tournament trophy seemed remote at best. But over the last two weeks, that's exactly what coach Dave Bingham's squad was able to do. Ninth-ranked Ankeny closed out the season on Thursday with a 6-5 loss to No. 11 Urbandale in … [Read more...] about ‘We were doubted for sure’: Hawkettes place 4th, their highest finish since 2013
Rusher leads Ankeny to 4th-place finish, lands spot on Class 5A all-tourney team
Ankeny senior Abby Rusher was named to the Class 5A all-tournament team after leading the Hawkettes to a fourth-place finish in the state softball tournament this week at Fort Dodge. Rusher went 4-for-10 at the plate with at least one hit in all three games. She went 2-for-3 and had a solo home run, her first of the season, in the Hawkettes' 8-1 loss to … [Read more...] about Rusher leads Ankeny to 4th-place finish, lands spot on Class 5A all-tourney team
‘It just didn’t go our way’: Hawkettes will play for 3rd place after tumbling to Valley
Not even a 90-minute rain delay could slow down the Valley softball team's impressive march to the Class 5A championship game. The top-ranked Tigers overcame a brief thunderstorm in the top of the third inning to beat No. 9 Ankeny, 8-1, in the semifinals of the state tournament on Wednesday at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge. "They're a good hitting … [Read more...] about ‘It just didn’t go our way’: Hawkettes will play for 3rd place after tumbling to Valley
An all-CIML softball final in Fort Dodge?: Breaking down the Class 5A semifinals
The CIML Conference nearly advanced four teams to Wednesday's Class 5A semifinals at the state softball tournament, which would have guaranteed an all-CIML final in Thursday's championship. The title game could still feature two teams from the CIML, but it will take a sizable upset in the second semifinal game. Here's a closer look at the two … [Read more...] about An all-CIML softball final in Fort Dodge?: Breaking down the Class 5A semifinals
‘You could feel this’: Ankeny girls blank Wolves, will face No. 1 Valley in semifinals
On paper, the ninth-ranked Ankeny softball team appeared to be facing an uphill battle against No. 4 Waukee Northwest in Monday's Class 5A quarterfinals at the state tournament. Ankeny coach Dave Bingham, though, had plenty of confidence in his squad. "I don't know if a team was more prepared for a game in all of my years of coaching," Bingham said … [Read more...] about ‘You could feel this’: Ankeny girls blank Wolves, will face No. 1 Valley in semifinals