Hagedorn’s Blast Powers No. 1 ADM Past Ankeny in Season Opener

The ADM Tigers Softball team opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion on Tuesday night, earning a 4-1 road victory over Class 5A opponent Ankeny.

Ranked No. 1 in Class 4A to begin the season, ADM wasted little time showing why. After a scoreless first inning, the Tigers broke through in the top of the second when sophomore Aubrey Noring came home on a sacrifice fly by sophomore Reese Vande Noord, giving ADM an early 1-0 lead.

The Tigers delivered the decisive blow in the fourth inning. Senior Ellis Smith reached base with a single, and sophomore Elliotte Von Roden followed with a walk to put two runners on. Senior Lauren Hagedorn then stepped to the plate and launched a three-run home run to center field, extending the ADM lead to 4-0.

Ankeny attempted to rally late, scoring its lone run in the bottom of the sixth inning, but the Tigers' pitching staff shut the door to secure the 4-1 victory.

Hagedorn had a standout all-around performance, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with three RBIs, while also earning the win in the circle. She pitched four innings in relief, allowing just one run on two hits while striking out seven. Junior Makenna Pitlick got the start and was dominant early, tossing three hitless innings with four strikeouts.

Offensively, ADM totaled six hits on the night, highlighted by Hagedorn's home run and contributions from Smith, Von Roden, and Addison Siedelmann.

With the win, ADM improves to 1-0 on the season. The Tigers will return to action on Friday as they host Johnston, with first pitch scheduled for 7:00 p.m.