WEST DES MOINES — The second-ranked (Class 4A) Fort Dodge softball team was tested twice here Saturday at the West Des Moines Valley Shootout.

After dropping a 2-1 decision to No. 9 (5A) Johnston, the Dodgers picked up a 5-3 victory over West Des Moines Dowling.

Fort Dodge jumped out to a 5-0 lead on the Maroons, as Hope Alstott and Cadence Touney each collected an RBI. Alstott, Macy Brown, Lucy Porter, Maggie Elsbecker and Touney each had a hit, with Ashlyn Wills stealing a base.

That was more than enough run support for Porter, as she twirled a four-hitter with just one of the three runs scored being earned.

“We didn’t play our best softball, but we’re still learning a lot about ourselves as a team,” FDSH head coach Andi Adams said. “We know plenty of games left to be played, but anytime you can win against a quality 5A program like Dowling, you’ll take it.”

Alstott, Meah McCaleb, Porter, Ellie Doster and Maeleena Meyer each scored a run.

In the loss to Johnston, Alstott, Brown and senior Lydia Lara all had two hits, with Wills scoring the lone run. She also had a hit, as did McCaleb for the Dodgers (8-2 overall).

Porter pitched all seven innings, striking out four with five hits allowed and just one earned run.

“I’m really proud of Lucy and the way she battled against two tough lineups,” Adams said. “We didn’t play a clean game vs. Johnston and when you give them extra chances, they take advantage.

“But I’m proud of the girls and how hard they competed. We definitely grew up a lot this weekend.”

Fort Dodge returns home to face third-ranked (5A) Southeast Polk on Monday night at Rogers Park. First-pitch is set for 7 p.m.