WAUKEE — The No. 3 Fort Dodge wrestling squad posted a 37-24 win over Waukee on Thursday ahead of their debut appearance at a nationally-renowned tournament.

The Dodgers earned eight victories, including four by fall and five that included bonus points. Top-ranked FDSH 120-pounder Drake Ayala worked over No. 3 Thurman Christensen in the evening’s main matchup, pinning him in 2:47.

No. 2 Carson Taylor (126) also scored a fall, as did third-rated Dreyzon Phillips at 138 and Colten Munter at heavyweight. No. 7 Lane Cowell recorded a major decision at 113, with Max Bishop (106), Brooks Cowell (132) and Brandon Mills (145) prevailing by decision.

“I’m really happy with Carson, Drake and Dreyzon,” Dodger head coach Bobby Thompson said. “And Colten’s pin (at 285) was a bonus. That was big for us and for his confidence.

“We’re still leaving points on the mat and wrestling too careless at times. We’ve got a lot to clean up. I thought (the final score) was a closer than it needed to be.”

Fort Dodge was without senior standout Levi Egli, as the 195-pounder will be sidelined for the next four weeks with a brokenhand. Egli suffered the injury during practice on Monday.

The Dodgers head to the “Beat the Streets” dual event on Saturday in Chicago. Six programs are ranked ahead of Fort Dodge (No. 43) nationally on Intermat’s Fab 50 list.