Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Tristin Doster of Fort Dodge joined five of her teammates on the CIML Iowa Conference's first team list.

It came as no surprise that the Fort Dodge softball team dominated the 2021 all-CIML Iowa Conference roster.

The Dodgers bring a 35-4 record, No. 2 ranking and top seed into this week as the host school for the state softball tournament after qualifying for a fourth consecutive season.

And while many of the usual suspects were honored from FDSH’s junior and senior classes — which have helped produce the most successful four-year stint in program history — a few others surfaced this season to remind everyone head coach Andi Adams’ squad isn’t going away anytime soon.

Seniors Tristin Doster and Sophia Klinger joined juniors Jalen Adams and Tory Bennett on the first team. All four are veterans by now when it comes to postseason honors.

A pair of eighth-graders — Mariah Myers and Lucy Porter — flanked the quartet, though, giving the league not just a glimpse into the school’s modern-day prowess, but also, a sign of what’s to come.

“I’m incredibly happy for all of them, not just because they were recognized, but I know the kind of time, effort and commitment they’ve put into this sport and the investment they’ve made in each other,” Coach Adams said. “Obviously they have bigger team goals ahead, but it was nice (over the weekend) to acknowledge what they accomplished and what their (CIML Iowa peers) thought of them.

“We didn’t take a ton of time to recognize the fact that we won (the division) and only lost one game total (against Ankeny Centennial, Ankeny, Ames, Mason City and Marshalltown). That takes incredible focus and consistency. Once state is all done, we’ll take a step back and appreciate this season for what it has been even more.”

Juniors Maia Davis, Martyne Lowrey and Haley Wills landed on the second squad, with senior Chloe Wertz making honorable mention. So for the second consecutive season, all 10 Dodger starters were tabbed with some kind of individual postseason recognition.

Doster, a University of Iowa recruit and two-time returning first team all-stater, is batting .523 with 12 home runs and 49 RBI. Last month, she became FDSH’s career home run leader, and her .435 batting average as a Dodger is also an all-time best at the school.

“What more can you say about TK,” Adams said. “She’s such a rock. Such a leader. And she’s completely embraced that role. Of course the numbers speak for themselves, but she’s taken it upon herself to be a role model and a mentor to the younger players. She’ll go down as one of the greats here.”

Klinger has always been a defensive stalwart, but the Iowa Central recruit’s plate improvement has been “inspirational” to watch, according to Adams.

“Sophia’s goal initially (four years ago) was just to crack the lineup and get varsity at-bats,” Adams said. “She’s one of the best outfielders we’ve ever had, but she wanted to become a complete player and she’s done that through hard work and perseverance. I’m very happy for her and her family. Just look at her now.”

Klinger is batting .423 with 11 stolen bases and 31 runs scored.

Jalen Adams hasn’t rested on her laurels despite committing to the University of Iowa as a two-time first team all-state selection. The flamethrower has been borderline unhittable this summer, going 22-1 so far with an 0.61 earned run average and 193 strikeouts in just 138.2 innings pitched.

Adams is also batting .421 with 14 doubles, four home runs and 26 RBI.

“I don’t get many opportunities to brag about my daughter, but I’m just really impressed by the way she’s pushed herself to reach that next level,” Coach Adams said. “She doesn’t shy away from the pressure or the idea that she wants to be the very best. And so much of that is her own doing.

“I’m a very proud coach, but an even prouder mama.”

Bennett (.456, 35 RBI, 49 runs, 10 doubles) has been “the mark of consistency,” Adams added.

“Tory is so steady, with a softball IQ that’s off the charts,” Adams said. “She makes it look easy. Her instincts are incredible. She’s a terrific student of the game. And a really productive hitter. Getting closer and closer to being the complete player I know she’s been so determined to become.”

Myers exploded onto the scene and lived up to lofty expectations after taking the travel-ball circuit by storm. She’s batting .460 with seven home runs, while leading the Dodgers in RBI with 55 — three shy of the single-season school record.

Myers and Doster still haven’t struck out in nearly 240 combined plate appearances.

“What she’s done at her age…it just doesn’t happen at the 5A level,” Adams said. “Mariah’s been such a welcome addition, both because of her talent and hard-working attitude. She’s incredibly lucky to have this team, and we’re lucky to have her. And really, she’s just getting started. Her ability and understanding of the game are so advanced, given she’s never even taken a single class (at FDSH) yet.”

Porter’s emergence has been nearly as remarkable. She’s accumulated a perfect 13-0 record with a 1.11 ERA, allowing a 5A-low 41 hits and nine earned runs.

“Like Mariah, we weren’t just going to hand Lucy a role on this team. She had to earn it. And both of them did,” Adams said. “Lucy has a lot of mental toughness. It’s going to be fun to see where all of this goes in the years to come.

“I think they’re lucky to be a part of this, learning from the juniors and seniors and finding out what the pressures of high-level 5A softball are all about. And we’re obviously lucky to have them. We’re excited for this week, and the future is also bright.”

Davis (.406 average, 33 runs scored, 26 stolen bases), Lowrey (.374, 38 runs, 32 RBI, 14 SBs) and Wills (.326, 33 runs, 21 RBI, 11 SBs) “have all been huge for us as well,” Adams added. “They’re all first teamers to me, and we wouldn’t be where we are without them.”

Wertz is hitting .321 with 30 RBI.

“Our senior class, with Tristin, Sophia, Chloe and Dallas (Richardson), will be one we’ll always remember,” Adams said. “Not just for what they’ve done (Fort Dodge is in an unprecedented stretch with a 134-23 record since 2018), but the character and drive they’ve shown. They’re going to do incredible things in life.

“I’m just hoping our fans appreciate it all, and we would love to have their continued support this week (at state).”