Ankeny Fanatic

Your Ankeny Sports Resource

Softball

‘We got tested a little bit’: Jaguars hold off Ottumwa to sweep doubleheader

by

The Ankeny Centennial softball team opened the season on Monday by winning a pair of games in similar fashion to sweep a non-conference doubleheader at Ottumwa. The 11th-ranked Jaguars posted a 6-5 win in the opener and a 9-8 triumph in the nightcap. In both games, Ottumwa rallied from a big deficit before Centennial held on for the victory. "It was … [Read more...] about ‘We got tested a little bit’: Jaguars hold off Ottumwa to sweep doubleheader

‘We are led by our seniors’: Centennial looks to build on last year’s success

by

Coming off the best season in school history, the Ankeny Centennial softball team isn't going to rest on its laurels. The Jaguars are looking to build on the success of last year's squad, which posted a 23-9 record and placed third in Class 5A in the school's first-ever state tournament appearance. "We are not taking anything for granted and working … [Read more...] about ‘We are led by our seniors’: Centennial looks to build on last year’s success

Centennial’s Fisher commits to Mustangs, will reunite with ex-teammate Jones

by

Another Ankeny Centennial softball pitcher has made her college plans. This one will be reuniting with a former teammate. Maggie Fisher has committed to play for Morningside University in Sioux City. She announced her decision via Twitter on Friday. "I'm so excited and so blessed to announce my commitment to further my academic and softball careers … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Fisher commits to Mustangs, will reunite with ex-teammate Jones

Centennial pitcher Wendt to play softball at Northwestern College

by

Ankeny Centennial pitcher Jenna Wendt has committed to play softball at Northwestern College in Orange City. Wendt said she narrowed her choices down to Northwestern and Central College before picking the Red Raiders. "I was open to all of my opportunities when I began my recruitment process; however, moving closer to my commitment, I made the decision … [Read more...] about Centennial pitcher Wendt to play softball at Northwestern College

After breakout season, Centennial’s Schulz commits to play for Minnesota St.

by

Ankeny Centennial catcher Ella Schulz enjoyed a breakout season in 2020. Her success on the softball field has resulted in an opportunity to play at the collegiate level. Schulz has verbally committed to Minnesota State, an NCAA Division II program. She announced her decision via Twitter over the weekend. "I'm so excited to announce my commitment to … [Read more...] about After breakout season, Centennial’s Schulz commits to play for Minnesota St.

Rumley earns repeat all-state honors; Burnett also named to 5A first team

by

There was at least one similarity between the Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial softball teams this season. Both squads featured an outstanding left side of the infield. Ankeny third baseman Jasmine Rumley and shortstop Marina Carter have both received all-state honors along with shortstop Franie Burnett and third baseman Taylor Runchey of Centennial. Two … [Read more...] about Rumley earns repeat all-state honors; Burnett also named to 5A first team

Rumley, Burnett are repeat selections to CIML Central Conference first team

by

Seniors Franie Burnett of Ankeny Centennial and Jasmine Rumley of Ankeny were both repeat selections to the CIML Central Conference first team by a vote of the league's softball coaches. Rumley, a third baseman, was a first-team pick for the third consecutive year. She led the Hawkettes to a 19-11 record this season. Rumley batted .422 with eight home … [Read more...] about Rumley, Burnett are repeat selections to CIML Central Conference first team

Seniors lead the way as Jaguars pound Muscatine to end season in style

by

The seniors on the sixth-ranked Ankeny Centennial softball team were determined to go out in style. The outcome of Thursday's Class 5A consolation final against No. 8 Muscatine was never in doubt. Centennial scored in every inning and rolled to a 10-0 victory over the Muskies in five innings at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge. The Jaguars (23-9) … [Read more...] about Seniors lead the way as Jaguars pound Muscatine to end season in style

‘We were not going to lose’: Jaguars roll past Muscatine to earn 3rd-place finish

by

The Ankeny Centennial softball team closed out the best season in school history with a third-place finish in the Class 5A state tournament. The sixth-ranked Jaguars rolled to a 10-0 victory over No. 8 Muscatine in five innings in the consolation final on Thursday at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge. They finished with a 23-9 record, while Muscatine … [Read more...] about ‘We were not going to lose’: Jaguars roll past Muscatine to earn 3rd-place finish

‘Our girls showed that they belonged’: Jaguars fall short against Fort Dodge

by

Franie Burnett is looking forward to Thursday's Class 5A consolation final. The third-place game will give Burnett and her Ankeny Centennial softball teammates a chance to end their season with a victory at the state tournament. "I'm really glad we have another game," Burnett said after the sixth-ranked Jaguars lost to No. 1 Fort Dodge, 5-3, in the … [Read more...] about ‘Our girls showed that they belonged’: Jaguars fall short against Fort Dodge

Monumental challenge awaits Centennial girls in Class 5A semifinals

by

A thrilling win over fourth-ranked Waukee provided the Ankeny Centennial softball team with an opportunity to pull off an even bigger upset. The No. 6 Jaguars (22-8) will now meet No. 1 Fort Dodge (27-3) in the semifinals of the Class 5A state tournament on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. The game will be played on the Dodgers' home field at Harlan Rogers Park in … [Read more...] about Monumental challenge awaits Centennial girls in Class 5A semifinals

‘It was just a matter of when’: Centennial erupts for dramatic win over Waukee

by

Ankeny Centennial runner Mackenzie James watched from third base as her teammate, Franie Burnett, swung and missed at a third strike during Monday's Class 5A quarterfinal against Waukee. Then James noticed the ball skip past Waukee catcher Natalie Wellet. The freshman raced home with the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and the sixth-ranked Jaguars … [Read more...] about ‘It was just a matter of when’: Centennial erupts for dramatic win over Waukee

Jaguars stun No. 4 Waukee in their state tournament debut

by

Ankeny Centennial's first trip to the state softball tournament has already been a memorable one. The sixth-ranked Jaguars advanced to the Class 5A semifinals with an improbable 5-2 victory over No. 4 Waukee on Monday at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge. Down to its final five outs, Centennial rallied for five runs in the last two innings to erase a … [Read more...] about Jaguars stun No. 4 Waukee in their state tournament debut

‘No one can stop us’: Confident Jaguars ready for showdown against Waukee

by

Madi Huisman is hoping to spend most of the upcoming week in Fort Dodge. Huisman and her teammates on the Ankeny Centennial softball squad aren't satisfied with just making it to the Class 5A state tournament. They want to win a trophy, too. "We're definitely going to win the state championship," Huisman said. Huisman tossed an eight-hitter to … [Read more...] about ‘No one can stop us’: Confident Jaguars ready for showdown against Waukee

‘It’s the best feeling ever’: Jaguars earn trip to Fort Dodge, will play No. 4 Waukee

by

Ella Schulz watched from behind home plate as her teammate, second baseman Anna Christiansen, fielded a ground ball and threw to first for the final out of Tuesday's Class 5A regional final. The two juniors then raced toward each other and embraced as the Ankeny Centennial softball team advanced to the state tournament for the first time ever with a 10-5 … [Read more...] about ‘It’s the best feeling ever’: Jaguars earn trip to Fort Dodge, will play No. 4 Waukee