Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Senior Loghen Schnetzer was one of four first team all-CIML Iowa Conference softball selections.

Class 5A state runner-up Fort Dodge landed its entire lineup on the all-CIML Iowa Conference team, the league announced recently.

The program’s historic season ended with a 28-4 overall record and the Dodgers’ first-ever softball championship game appearance. Senior Loghen Schnetzer, junior Tristin Doster and sophomores Jalen Adams and Tory Bennett were on the division’s top squad, with juniors Chloe Wertz and Sophia Klinger joining sophomores Haley Wills, Martyne Lowrey and Malia Lowrey on the second team.

“I’m obviously very proud of our kids, who all contributed in significant ways to making a year like this become reality,” FDSH head coach Andi Adams said. “We don’t get to a place like (the state finals) because of one or two players. That was kind of our focus all season long: we needed everyone to step up and embrace their roles to help make us a more balanced team. And we saw that.

“Our statistics were impressive on paper, and I think for the top four especially, the work they put into the offseason was reflected in their success at the plate, on the field or from the (pitcher’s circle). But really, I saw positive strides out of all of our kids. Now the idea is to take the next step up.”

Schnetzer became the school’s career home run leader, adding to the single-season record she shattered a year ago. The first baseman batted .476 and led 5A with 46 RBI. She was also in the Top-10 for home runs (9) and total bases (77).

Doster racked up a 5A-best 95 total bases, thanks in large part to a .535 batting average, 14 doubles and seven home runs. The catcher ranked behind only Schnetzer in 5A with 44 RBI, and scored 45 times, which was the third-best total in the class.

Doster was also first in 5A for most putouts and total chances in the field, committing only three errors.

Adams was dominant both as a pitcher and a hitter. She went 20-2 overall with an 0.88 earned run average, with 164 strikeouts and opponents batting just .130 against her. At the plate, Adams hit .596 with a 5A-best 18 doubles and 59 hits.

For the season, Adams ranked in the Top-5 of Iowa’s largest class in wins (1st), strikeouts (1st), starts (1st), doubles (1st), hits (2nd), innings pitched (2nd), singles (3rd), on-base percentage (3rd), WHIP (3rd), batting average (4th), and total bases (4th).

Bennett was 5A’s leader in stolen bases (27), and second in runs scored (47). The shortstop hit .420, committed only four errors, and topped 5A in number of times hit by a pitch.

“Loghen set some lofty goals for herself as a senior player, and, more importantly, leader. She reached that level,” Adams said. “TK and Jalen put so much time into getting ready for the season on their own. They set the tone with their work ethic, so the numbers they posted were no accident.

“Tory continues to push herself and get better as well. She has set a very high standard for herself. They all have. I think the goal, when all is said and done, is to win a championship and reach all-state (status) accordingly. They all moved closer to that goal this year.”

Wertz and Klinger continued to anchor the FDSH outfield with their deft defense and improving offense. Wills batted .326 with 26 RBI and 12 stolen bases, while amassing an 8-2 pitching record with a 2.11 ERA.

Martyne Lowrey hit .378 with 17 RBI, 12 stolen bases, and the go-ahead home run against Ankeny Centennial in the state semifinals. Malia Lowrey carried a .341 average with 17 RBI and 15 steals.

“Chloe and Sophia will be important senior leaders for us (in 2021), but that starts today. Their focus and growth in the offseason will be important,” Adams said. “Haley, Martyne and Malia made significant strides and turned a corner as they become (upperclassmen).”

Sophomore Maia Davis made the honorable mention list.

Fort Dodge was first in 5A for batting average, RBI, stolen bases, runs scored, run differential, hits, on-base percentage and lowest opponent batting average. They were second in total bases, singles and pitching strikeouts, and third in ERA, doubles and fewest runs allowed.

The Dodgers were ranked No. 1 wire-to-wire during the regular season. After defeating Bettendorf (7-0) and Ankeny Centennial (5-3) at the state tournament, Fort Dodge was stopped short in the championship game by second-rated Cedar Rapids Kennedy, 5-1.

“We saw what elite pitching and defense does when we faced Kennedy,” Adams said. “We’re close, but we’re not there yet. It was a learning experience for us, and we’ll be a better team because of it in the future.”