Ankeny softball coach Dave Bingham didn't want the season to end. He really wanted to coach the seniors on this year's squad for another week. The 11th-ranked Hawkettes fell one win short of a trip to the Class 5A state tournament. They dropped a 4-3 decision at No. 7 Southeast Polk in a regional final on Tuesday. "We're definitely heartbroken … [Read more...] about ‘The season ended too soon’: Hawkettes fall short in regional final at S.E. Polk
Ashtyn Billings
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 188
In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America, publisher Dan Holm interviews assistant coach Sarah Saladino and senior pitcher Ashtyn Billings of the Ankeny softball team along with head coach Craig Dueker and sophomore star Eli Christensen of the Ankeny Christian Academy baseball team. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 188
‘I felt so at peace with Northwestern’: Ankeny’s Billings to play for Red Raiders
Ankeny softball player Ashtyn Billings is headed to Orange City. The senior pitcher has verbally committed to play for Northwestern College. She picked the Red Raiders over Simpson College and a few junior colleges. "It was not a tough decision for me," said Billings. "I felt so at peace with Northwestern the second I set foot on campus!" Billings … [Read more...] about ‘I felt so at peace with Northwestern’: Ankeny’s Billings to play for Red Raiders
‘Our team is confident in our abilities’: Hawkettes win twice at Ottumwa Invite
On two separate occasions this season, the Ankeny softball team's record dipped to the .500 mark after going through a difficult stretch. Each time, the Hawkettes responded with a winning streak. After getting off to a 5-0 start this season, Ankeny dropped its next five games before going on another five-game winning streak. Now, after falling to … [Read more...] about ‘Our team is confident in our abilities’: Hawkettes win twice at Ottumwa Invite
Billings faces minimum 21 batters; Ankeny completes sweep over Bobcats
Ashtyn Billings only had to throw 66 pitches on Monday night. That's what happens when you face the minimum 21 batters. Billings tossed a one-hitter with eight strikeouts and the 13th-ranked Ankeny softball team completed a sweep of a CIML Iowa Conference doubleheader with a 7-0 victory over visiting Marshalltown. "I honestly had no idea how great … [Read more...] about Billings faces minimum 21 batters; Ankeny completes sweep over Bobcats
‘I trust my defense’: Billings hurls 3-hitter as Hawkettes earn split against Valley
If Ankeny softball coach Dave Bingham was still undecided about his pitching plans for the postseason, Monday's doubleheader against defending Class 5A state champion Valley may have helped him come to a decision. Sophomore Ashtyn Billings tossed a three-hitter in the nightcap as the 15th-ranked Hawkettes salvaged a split of the twinbill with a 1-0 … [Read more...] about ‘I trust my defense’: Billings hurls 3-hitter as Hawkettes earn split against Valley
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Ashtyn Billings, Ankeny softball
Ashtyn Billings is a member of the Ankeny softball team. The freshman pitcher and outfielder helped the Hawkettes to a 20-19 record. She posted a 2-1 mark with a 2.63 ERA while also batting .268 with five RBIs. "Ashtyn is so versatile she seriously could take on any position we asked her to play," said Ankeny coach Dave Bingham. "Her greatest asset … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Ashtyn Billings, Ankeny softball