Messenger photo by Britt Kudla The Fort Dodge volleyball team celebrates the final point of its victory over Ridge View on Saturday at the Jackie Wilde Invitational. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Kiana Touney had already decided to continue her volleyball career before knowing for sure if she would get to conclude her run with Fort Dodge.

Touney, an Iowa Central commit, and the Dodgers were granted the opportunity to play this year while dealing with the restrictions of the novel coronavirus.

And despite all of that, Touney has embraced each and every chance to play.

The Dodgers hosted their Jackie Wilde Invitational on Saturday with 15th-ranked (Class 4A) Lewis Central and Ridge View joining them.

“It’s been such an amazing experience playing with every team that I have ever been part of,” Touney said. “I feel like this year is one of the best yet. We’re all super close and I couldn’t have wished for a better team honestly.

“To be able to play during COVID is a blessing.”

Touney, who will join Sara Horn’s program at Iowa Central next year, admitted that “I needed this year to play in college next season, so I am very grateful.”

Fort Dodge picked up a three-set victory over Ridge View, 25-22, 25-20 and 25-12, falling to Lewis Central in three, 25-21, 25-16 and 25-14.

“Our first match against Lewis Central we came out playing tired and slow,” FDSH head coach Martha Mericle said. “We didn’t have energy or communication, which caused us to make silly mistakes. Against Ridge View, our energy was super-high and our communication was great, which helped us be successful and win.”

In the other match, Ridge View scored a four-set victory over Lewis Central by scores of 25-20, 25-18, 14-25 and 25-21.

Touney had 28 kills, two solo blocks, two assist blocks, four aces, five digs and was 17-for-20 serving.

“Playing (Saturday), we were a whole different team,” Touney said. “We all played so well against Ridge View. I’m so proud of my team and what we can do.

“We all started communicating better on the court and cheering one another on. It was an amazing atmosphere.

Lainey Maehl recorded seven kills with two solo and three block assists, Tjaden Petitt-Johnston had five kills, three solo blocks and three assist blocks, with Olivia Bell serving 15 of 16 with three aces and 38 assists.

Brooke Hansen contributed seven kills and two solo blocks, Alexis Hiracheta was 20 of 22 serving with a pair of aces and eight digs, Tory Bennett had 18 digs and two aces, Maggie Elsbecker was 27-for-29 serving with four aces and 10 digs, and Victoria Touney added three kills.

“It was fun to see their energy and excitement with each point (against Ridge View),” Mericle said. “It was fun to be the team in control and build a lead and keep the lead the entire match. The girls didn’t let down and it was a great confidence-booster for each one of them.

“We’re going to build on this momentum to keep pushing hard in practice and keep making improvements to our game.”

The Dodgers return to action Tuesday night when they travel to No. 2 (5A) Ankeny. The Hawks are the fifth different ranked opponent for FDSH this year as they have also faced fifth-ranked (5A) Ankeny Centennial, No. 6 (5A) West Des Moines Valley, No. 13 (5A) Des Moines Roosevelt and 14th-rated (3A) Humboldt.