—Photo by Jim Nelson, for The Messenger Fort Dodge’s LJ Maehl and Paytene Hiveley go for a rebound against Mason City.

MASON CITY — The Fort Dodge girls dropped their third straight road game to start 2023, falling to Mason City on Friday, 68-43.

The Riverhawks led by nine at the half and 12 heading into the fourth before pulling away.

“We played up-and-down all night,” FDSH head coach Scott Messerly said. “We cut the lead to seven a couple times, but just couldn’t get any closer.

“Mason City really shot the ball very well.”

For the Dodgers, Paytene Hiveley scored 24 points and Lainey Maehl added 12. Hiveley had 13 in the first half and was 6 of 7 from the free throw line.

Hiveley also grabbed 15 rebounds and Maehl had 12. LJ Maehl added seven rebounds and three assists, and Ashlyn Wills chipped in four rebounds and three steals.

Meah McCaleb added three rebounds and three assists.

“Ashlyn did a really nice job on the defensive end,” Messerly said. “She was all over the court.”

Kelsey McDonough knocked down four 3-pointers and scored 16 to lead Mason City, while Reggi Spots scored 12 and Machaela Trask added 11. The Riverhawks made six triples in the first half and finished with eight for the night.

The two teams split the series last year, but Mason City has now won 25 of the last 29 meetings overall.

Fort Dodge returns to the court on Tuesday when they host Des Moines East at 6:15 p.m.

MASON CITY 68, FORT DODGE 43

Fort Dodge — Paytene Hiveley 24, Lainey Maehl 12, Mackenzie McIlrath 2, Ashlyn Wills 2, LJ Maehl 3.

Mason City — Kelsey McDonough 16, Reggi Spots 12, Machaela Trask 11.