Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Fort Dodge teammates Beth Murman (15) and Ebonee Altman go for a block against Des Moines Christian in the Jackie Wilde Invitational on Saturday. For more photos, visit CU.messengernews.net

The Jackie Wilde Invitational didn’t quite go the way Tonia Burrell wanted on Saturday, but the Fort Dodge volleyball squad did end on a strong note.

The Dodgers went 1-3 on the day, but finished their home invitational with a win over last year’s runner-up, Pocahontas Area.

The Dodgers (2-14 overall) defeated the Indians 21-18. They dropped the second game 21-13, but closed with a 15-11 victory to finish fourth.

“I think we felt urgency that we needed to end the tournament with a win,” Burrell said. “We had more momentum in that match after it took us a long time to get on track (during the day).”

Kacee Gollob led the Dodgers in kills with 16, while Beth Murman had 14 and Ebonee Altman 11.

Gollob paced the Dodgers in blocks with three, and Tehya Miller had three.

Gollob was 20-for-22 serving with three aces.

Josie Shirbroun was 25 of 26 with six aces. Shirbroun also had 24 assists.

Kathryn Cochrane registered 13 assists.

Brooke Erickson notched 27 digs and Murman tallied 25, while Shirbroun added 23.

Council Bluffs Lewis Central won the tournament for the third consecutive year, finishing 5-0. They defeated Des Moines Christian 21-19 and 21-17 in the championship match.

“This is a tough tournament,” Burrell said. “Every team came to play and we can’t make mistakes against teams like that.”

Alta-Aurelia (2-2) was third and the Indians finished fifth (1-3).

Fort Dodge lost to Des Moines Christian 21-14 and 21-16. They lost to the eventual champions 21-11 and 21-10.

The Dodgers also lost to Alta-Aurelia 21-12 and 21-11.

“We had a tough time putting anything together as a team,” Burrell said. “When we were hitting, we weren’t blocking and when we weren’t blocking we weren’t hitting.”

The Dodgers are back in action on Tuesday when they host No. 10 Dowling.