Ankeny Fanatic

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Dave Bingham

‘Slap Squad’ ignites Hawkettes to doubleheader sweep over Mason City

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The first three batters in the Ankeny softball team's lineup are all slap hitters. Ankeny coach Dave Bingham calls them "The Slap Squad". That trio of Larissa Miller, Eva Fulk and Mariah Parton ignited the Hawkettes to a doubleheader sweep over visiting Mason City on Tuesday. They combined for seven hits, six runs scored and six RBIs in the first … [Read more...] about ‘Slap Squad’ ignites Hawkettes to doubleheader sweep over Mason City

‘We made a nice jump’: Hawkettes score 4 runs in 7th to seal 7-2 win at Carlisle

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The Ankeny softball team used a four-run seventh inning to seal a 7-2 victory at Carlisle in a non-conference game on Friday. The Hawkettes improved their record to 1-2 after losing both ends of a doubleheader at fifth-ranked Waukee Northwest on Monday. It was the season opener for Carlisle, the No. 9 team in Class 4A. "Carlisle and Northwest are very … [Read more...] about ‘We made a nice jump’: Hawkettes score 4 runs in 7th to seal 7-2 win at Carlisle

Hawkettes waste 2-hitter by Billings, drop both games of twinbill at Waukee NW

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After losing both games of a season-opening doubleheader at fifth-ranked Waukee Northwest on Monday, the Ankeny softball team will have a few days to regroup. The Hawkettes--who won't play again until Friday at Carlisle--dropped a 2-0 decision in the opener. Waukee Northwest then completed a sweep of the CIML Iowa Conference twinbill with a 5-3 … [Read more...] about Hawkettes waste 2-hitter by Billings, drop both games of twinbill at Waukee NW

Following Rasmussen’s death, Hawkettes will continue to honor program’s legacy

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Ankeny softball coach Dave Bingham said he often thinks about Dick Rasmussen, the legendary coach who guided the Hawkettes to 12 state championships. Rasmussen passed away early Friday morning at the age of 85. "The legacy he and his girls created is a powerful standard that can't be measured," Bingham said. "I think about him before and after every … [Read more...] about Following Rasmussen’s death, Hawkettes will continue to honor program’s legacy

Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny softball team (1st team)

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Ankeny softball star Jenny Voss wanted to end her high school career with another state championship in the summer of 1996. When she found out that legendary coach Dick Rasmussen was going to retire at the end of the season, her motivation to win soared even higher. "After finding out he was retiring, all the things--big and small--just meant that much … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny softball team (1st team)

Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny softball team (3rd team)

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No athletic program in Ankeny's history has had more success than the community's softball team. Ankeny High School has won a record 13 state championships, four more than any other program in the state. The Hawkettes have also made 27 state tournament appearances, tied for the third most ever in Iowa. Ankeny enjoyed most of its success under legendary … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny softball team (3rd team)

Blimpie Sub of the Week: Praze Buchan, Ankeny softball

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Sophomore Praze Buchan is a member of the Ankeny softball team. She helped the Hawkettes to a 21-17 record this season. Buchan played in 19 games and started six times. She batted .457 with three doubles and 10 RBIs. "Praze is a consistent, reliable presence at the plate," said Ankeny coach Dave Bingham. "She came in clutch for us several times late in … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Praze Buchan, Ankeny softball

‘We felt good, and then we didn’t’: Hawkettes’ lead evaporates in 5th inning

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Marina Carter did everything she could to lead the Ankeny softball team to a victory on Monday over its crosstown rival. It just wasn't enough. Carter made a few outstanding defensive plays at shortstop and also slugged a two-run homer for the visiting Hawkettes, but 10th-ranked Ankeny Centennial rallied for a 4-2 victory in a Class 5A regional … [Read more...] about ‘We felt good, and then we didn’t’: Hawkettes’ lead evaporates in 5th inning

Hawkettes sweep Ames, earn 3rd-place finish in CIML Iowa Conference

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When Kendra Winfrey took over on the mound Tuesday for the Ankeny softball team, she had confidence that the Hawkettes would be able to come back against visiting Ames in the first game of a doubleheader. It took a little while, but Winfrey was right. Ankeny used an eight-run outburst in the fifth inning to erase an 8-2 deficit and went on to post an … [Read more...] about Hawkettes sweep Ames, earn 3rd-place finish in CIML Iowa Conference

Hawkettes to host Ames in battle for 3rd place in CIML Iowa Conference

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The Ankeny softball team will close out the regular season on Tuesday by hosting its final CIML Iowa Conference doubleheader against Ames. The two squads, who split a twinbill on June 16, are battling for third place in the league. Ankeny (9-9, 19-16) had its four-game winning streak snapped on Saturday with a 7-3 loss to visiting North Polk in a … [Read more...] about Hawkettes to host Ames in battle for 3rd place in CIML Iowa Conference

Hawkettes commit just 1 error in doubleheader sweep at Marshalltown

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The Ankeny softball team has had a Jekyll and Hyde personality this season. On some nights, the Hawkettes have played like one of the best teams in Class 5A. But on other nights, they have struggled tremendously--especially in the field. Coach Dave Bingham's team cleaned up its defensive mistakes on Wednesday and rolled to a doubleheader sweep at … [Read more...] about Hawkettes commit just 1 error in doubleheader sweep at Marshalltown

Blimpie Sub of the Week: Kayla Brummer, Ankeny softball

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Senior pitcher Kayla Brummer has helped the Ankeny softball team to a 15-15 record. Brummer has compiled a 1-4 mark with a 2.51 ERA. Opposing batters are hitting .262 against her. "Kayla is a dependable Hawkette and ready to compete when she is called into action," said Ankeny coach Dave Bingham. "She never wavers and is always steady as a rock. We … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Kayla Brummer, Ankeny softball

‘It was just a fun battle for 14 innings’: Jags hold off Ankeny twice to earn sweep

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Monday's softball doubleheader at Ankeny High School was all about pride. A lot more will be at stake the next time the Hawkettes face crosstown rival Ankeny Centennial. The 10th-ranked Jaguars traveled to the south side and came away with a sweep of the twinbill, 7-6 and 12-9. "I think it definitely gives us momentum coming into the next game in a … [Read more...] about ‘It was just a fun battle for 14 innings’: Jags hold off Ankeny twice to earn sweep

Overturf drives in 6 runs, leads Ankeny to 7-6 victory over No. 5 Iowa City High

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The Ankeny softball team was hoping to build some momentum heading into Monday's doubleheader against crosstown rival Ankeny Centennial. The Hawkettes sort of accomplished their goal. Ankeny posted a 7-6 victory over fifth-ranked Iowa City High in the Brent Prange Classic on Friday at Ankeny, but the team's other three games in the two-day tournament … [Read more...] about Overturf drives in 6 runs, leads Ankeny to 7-6 victory over No. 5 Iowa City High

Hawkettes rout Mason City on Senior Night before dropping second game

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Every time the Ankeny softball team takes a step forward, the Hawkettes almost immediately take one step back. That was the case again on Monday as Ankeny split a CIML Iowa Conference doubleheader against visiting Mason City. The 13th-ranked Hawkettes rolled to a 10-0 victory in five innings in the opener before dropping a 6-5 decision in the … [Read more...] about Hawkettes rout Mason City on Senior Night before dropping second game

Hawkettes roll past Sioux City East, finish 11th at Fort Dodge Invitational

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When the Ankeny softball team plays like it did on Saturday against Sioux City East, the 13th-ranked Hawkettes are a threat to beat any opponent in the state. Ankeny pounded out 15 hits and rolled to a 12-0 victory over the Black Raiders in four innings in the 11th-place game at the Fort Dodge Invitational. The Hawkettes went 2-2 in the two-day tournament … [Read more...] about Hawkettes roll past Sioux City East, finish 11th at Fort Dodge Invitational

Billings faces minimum 21 batters; Ankeny completes sweep over Bobcats

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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

Winfrey hits, pitches Ankeny past Jaguars for split of CIML doubleheader

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Kendra Winfrey has established herself as one of the top pitchers on the Ankeny softball team. It turns out she's a pretty good hitter, too. Winfrey pitched a complete game and also slugged two home runs to lead the 13th-ranked Hawkettes to a 13-6 victory in the nightcap of Wednesday's doubleheader at No. 11 Ankeny Centennial. The win ended a five-game … [Read more...] about Winfrey hits, pitches Ankeny past Jaguars for split of CIML doubleheader