The Ankeny Centennial softball team continues to dominate most of its opponents in the CIML Iowa Conference. The fifth-ranked Jaguars earned their fifth doubleheader sweep of the season on Thursday with a pair of run-rule victories over visiting Marshalltown. They rolled to a 14-2 win in four innings, then completed the sweep with an 11-0 triumph in five … [Read more...] about Lathrop earns first varsity win to finish off Jaguars’ sweep over Marshalltown
Softball
HOME SWEEP HOME: Jaguars post identical 12-0 wins over Mason City
The Ankeny Centennial softball players were prepared for a long bus ride to Mason City on Wednesday. It turns out that the Jaguars never had to board the bus. The CIML Iowa Conference doubleheader was moved to Centennial due to a wet field in Mason City, and the sixth-ranked Jaguars went on to sweep the twinbill by identical 12-0 scores. "Our girls … [Read more...] about HOME SWEEP HOME: Jaguars post identical 12-0 wins over Mason City
No. 4 Carlisle uses 4-run 1st inning to beat Jaguars in non-conference game
The Ankeny Centennial softball team couldn't recover from a slow start. The sixth-ranked Jaguars gave up four runs in the first inning and went on to drop a 6-4 decision in a non-conference game on Tuesday at Carlisle, the No. 4 team in Class 4A. The Wildcats (11-3) extended their winning streak to five games. Centennial fell to 10-7 on the … [Read more...] about No. 4 Carlisle uses 4-run 1st inning to beat Jaguars in non-conference game
Solis’ walk-off single sparks Jaguars to doubleheader sweep over Ames
Lauren Solis and the Ankeny Centennial softball team didn't give up after the Jaguars fell behind visiting Ames, 6-1, in the first game of Monday's doubleheader. Sixth-ranked Centennial rallied for a 7-6 victory on Solis' walk-off single in the seventh inning, then completed a sweep with an 11-3 win over the No. 11 Little Cyclones in the nightcap. The … [Read more...] about Solis’ walk-off single sparks Jaguars to doubleheader sweep over Ames
Jaguars juggle their lineup, then top North Polk to improve record to 8-6
Ankeny Centennial softball coach Brett Delaney juggled his lineup after the Jaguars scored just two runs in a doubleheader loss at top-ranked Waukee Northwest on Monday. Some of his moves paid off on Tuesday. Sophomore Addi Starr, moved from the leadoff position to the No. 3 spot in the batting order, went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and scored a … [Read more...] about Jaguars juggle their lineup, then top North Polk to improve record to 8-6
‘We just didn’t score enough runs’: Jaguars fall twice to No. 1 Waukee NW
The Ankeny Centennial softball pitchers allowed just five runs on Monday in a doubleheader at top-ranked Waukee Northwest. Unfortunately, the No. 5 Jaguars managed just two runs themselves. The Wolves posted a 2-1 victory in eight innings in the first game, then completed a sweep of the twinbill with a 3-1 triumph in the nightcap. "Our pitchers … [Read more...] about ‘We just didn’t score enough runs’: Jaguars fall twice to No. 1 Waukee NW
Centennial softball team tops Ballard, tumbles to No. 1 Central Springs
The Ankeny Centennial softball team split a pair of games against other ranked opponents on Friday at the Ballard Invitational. The fifth-ranked Jaguars posted a 6-0 victory over Ballard, the No. 11 team in Class 3A. They then dropped a 9-2 decision to unbeaten Central Springs, the No. 1 team in Class 2A. Centennial, which was coming off a late … [Read more...] about Centennial softball team tops Ballard, tumbles to No. 1 Central Springs
Jaguars outlast Ankeny girls in 12 innings, then complete sweep with 5-2 win
It took 19 innings for the Ankeny Centennial softball team to earn a pair of victories against its crosstown rival on Thursday. The second-ranked Jaguars traveled across town to Ankeny and posted an 8-5 win in 12 innings in the opener. They then defeated the Hawkettes again, 5-2, to complete a sweep of the CIML Iowa Conference doubleheader. "It was a … [Read more...] about Jaguars outlast Ankeny girls in 12 innings, then complete sweep with 5-2 win
Seniors Solis, Klunder power Centennial girls past Valley in home opener
A six-run first inning sparked the second-ranked Ankeny Centennial softball team to an 11-1 victory over No. 7 Valley in five innings on Wednesday at Centennial. The non-conference game was the home opener for the Jaguars, who improved to 4-3 on the season. Valley's record dropped to 5-2. Seniors Lauren Solis and Lizzy Klunder combined to drive in … [Read more...] about Seniors Solis, Klunder power Centennial girls past Valley in home opener
No. 1 Fort Dodge sweeps No. 2 Jaguars in rematch of last year’s 5A title game
There isn't much of a gap between the state's top two softball teams in Class 5A. However, top-ranked Fort Dodge still has the edge over No. 2 Ankeny Centennial. In a rematch of last year's Class 5A championship game, the host Dodgers swept a CIML Iowa Conference doubleheader on Tuesday. They walked off with a 3-2 win in the first game, then hit a … [Read more...] about No. 1 Fort Dodge sweeps No. 2 Jaguars in rematch of last year’s 5A title game
Klunder’s walk-off hit caps rally, gives Jaguars 5-4 victory over No. 6 Bettendorf
Bouncing back from a loss earlier in the day, the second-ranked Ankeny Centennial softball team rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat No. 6 Bettendorf, 5-4, on Friday at the Johnston Invitational. Lizzy Klunder capped the rally with a walk-off hit that drove in pinch-runner Addie Pollock from third with the winning run. "She … [Read more...] about Klunder’s walk-off hit caps rally, gives Jaguars 5-4 victory over No. 6 Bettendorf
‘We’ve got a lot of talent’: No. 2 Jaguars rout Marshalltown twice to open season
It didn't take long for the Ankeny Centennial softball team to show off its potential. The second-ranked Jaguars opened their season on Monday by sweeping a CIML Iowa Conference doubleheader at Marshalltown in impressive fashion. They rolled to a 16-0 victory in three innings in the opener, then completed the sweep with a 14-0 triumph. "Our girls … [Read more...] about ‘We’ve got a lot of talent’: No. 2 Jaguars rout Marshalltown twice to open season
Jaguars return 7 starters from last year’s Class 5A state runner-up squad
In the last two seasons, the Ankeny Centennial softball team has gotten progressively closer to a Class 5A state championship. Maybe this will be the year that the Jaguars reach their ultimate goal. "The goal every season is to get to Fort Dodge in July, and this season is no different," said Centennial coach Brett Delaney. "Our goal right now is to … [Read more...] about Jaguars return 7 starters from last year’s Class 5A state runner-up squad
Centennial’s James verbally commits to play softball at Simpson College
Ankeny Centennial softball player Mackenzie James didn't have to wait any longer to make her college plans. The junior outfielder verbally committed on Friday to play for Simpson College, beginning in the fall of 2023. "The decision was pretty easy for me," said James. "Simpson was the first school I visited and instantly I felt at home. The softball … [Read more...] about Centennial’s James verbally commits to play softball at Simpson College
Ankeny’s Carter, Centennial’s Schulz named to Class 5A all-state first team
Softball standouts Marina Carter of Ankeny and Ella Schulz of Ankeny Centennial have earned all-state honors for the second straight year from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. Both Carter and Schulz, who will be teammates next year at Minnesota State, were selected to the Class 5A first team. They were second-team picks a year ago. Schulz, a senior … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Carter, Centennial’s Schulz named to Class 5A all-state first team
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Jenna Wendt, Ankeny Centennial softball
Senior pitcher Jenna Wendt helped the Ankeny Centennial softball team to a 33-10 record and a second-place finish in Class 5A this season. Wendt posted a 6-2 mark with a 4.24 ERA. She also batted .302 with one home run, three doubles and 18 RBIs. Wendt, who will play for Northwestern College next year, played a key role in the Jaguars' 8-1 victory … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Jenna Wendt, Ankeny Centennial softball
‘We still got second, and that’s good’: Jaguars settle for runner-up trophy
Anna Christiansen vowed that the Ankeny Centennial softball team would be back to Harlan Rogers Park. "I'm extremely proud of this team, and these underclassmen are going to take this program places," Christiansen said after Friday night's Class 5A championship game at Fort Dodge. "This program is unlike any other in the state, and I'm extremely confident … [Read more...] about ‘We still got second, and that’s good’: Jaguars settle for runner-up trophy
Central Bank Athlete of the Month: Sam Klug, Ankeny Centennial senior
The standout pitcher allowed just three runs in three games at the state softball tournament and was named to the Class 5A all-tournament team after leading the Jaguars to a runner-up finish. … [Read more...] about Central Bank Athlete of the Month: Sam Klug, Ankeny Centennial senior
‘Tonight just wasn’t our night’: Jaguars fall to Fort Dodge, Adams in 5A title game
The clock struck midnight on Ankeny Centennial's Cinderella run through the state softball tournament. After knocking off two higher-ranked opponents earlier in the week, the 10th-ranked Jaguars dropped a 2-0 decision to No. 2 Fort Dodge in the Class 5A championship game on Friday night at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge. Jalen Adams tossed a … [Read more...] about ‘Tonight just wasn’t our night’: Jaguars fall to Fort Dodge, Adams in 5A title game
‘We want that championship’: Jaguars advance to Class 5A final for first time
The Ankeny Centennial softball players got the rematch they wanted. The 10th-ranked Jaguars advanced to the Class 5A championship game with an 8-1 victory over No. 5 Pleasant Valley in the semifinals on Wednesday at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge. Centennial (33-9) will play No. 2 Fort Dodge (37-4) for the title on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Jaguars … [Read more...] about ‘We want that championship’: Jaguars advance to Class 5A final for first time