WEST DES MOINES — The Fort Dodge softball team grew up quickly on Friday night.

For the second time in three nights, the second-rated (Class 4A) Dodgers (3-1 overall) stood toe-to-toe with a highly-ranked opponent.

This time it was No. 2 (Class 5A) West Des Moines Valley.

The youthful Dodgers got behind early, but fought back and pulled away for an impressive 8-3 victory.

Head coach Andi Adams knows there will be ups and downs with her young squad, but on Friday, the Dodgers showed they still have a high ceiling.

“This was a fun game to watch and be part of,” Adams said. “Everyone on the field for us made some kind of high-level defensive play. Cadence (Touney) had a catch at the wall that was unbelievable (in right field) and (shortstop) Ashlyn (Wills) made some nice plays as well.

“There are going to be some peaks and valleys (in the weeks to come), but (last night) was definitely a peak.”

After a rally fell short against top-ranked Dallas Center-Grimes on Wednesday night at home, the Dodgers fell behind early against the Tigers.

This time, they were able to complete the comeback.

“In softball, it’s all about the momentum,” Adams said. ” We started getting that against Dallas Center-Grimes but came up short. (On Friday), we were able to use our style of softball and do what we can do. That was super fun.”

Valley took a 2-0 edge after the first inning, but Fort Dodge tied it with two in the top of the third. A four-run fourth then gave the visitors a lead they would never relinquish.

“I called them ‘dogs’ the other day, and they love it,” Adams said. “They play hard and they play tough.

“These kids are still trying to find themselves, but they’re having fun doing it.”

Eighth graders Ellie Doster and Hope Alstott had two hits each. Doster drove in two runs. Alstott recorded a double.

Seniors Maggie Elsbecker and Lydia Lara doubled as well, as did Touney.

Sophomore Lucy Porter (2-1) earned the win. Porter struck out three and walked two while giving up eight hits.

The Dodgers are back in action on Wednesday at Des Moines East. The doubleheader is slated to begin at 5 p.m.

FORT DODGE 8, VALLEY 3

Fort Dodge 002 410 1 – 8 7 3

Valley 201 000 x — 3 8 6

WP–Lucy Porter (2-1, 7 IP, 8 H, 3 er, 2 BB, 3 SO); 2B–FD: Hope Alstott; V: Karl Rose, Anna Eastin.