Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Julia Eastman of Fort Dodge competes in the 200 individual medley on Wednesday. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

The Fort Dodge girls swim team made their home debut on Thursday in a triangular against Sioux City Metro and Algona.

The Dodgers defeated the Bulldogs, 71-30, but came up short versus SCM, 66-32.

Junior Julia Eastman earned Fort Dodge’s lone victory with a gold medal in the 500 freestyle. Eastman clocked a time of 5:40.65.

Head coach Ashley Beaumont’s squad garnered a number of runner-up honors, led by sophomore Gracie Harvey in the 100 butterfly (1:06.51). Eastman was second in the 200 individual medley (2:17.95).

Junior Hailey Vogel grabbed silver in the 100 freestyle (57.47) and 100 breaststroke (1:10.76).

“We mixed up the events a little, given it was our second of three meets this week,” Beaumont said. “We had so many kids with season-best times…even lifetime bests. It’s a great feeling to see them accomplish that at home, and we’re just thankful to have the opportunity to compete in our own pool.

“Gracie Harvey is really improving in her 100 fly. She has a goal of eventually qualifying for state (in the event), which is terrific and gives her something to keep going after. She’s working hard. They all are. I was happy with everyone (on Thursday). Really a strong effort for the first week of September.”

Fort Dodge’s 200 medley relay quartet of Eastman, Vogel, Harvey and Kylen Lubensky took second in 1:56.73. The 400 free relay of Harvey, Eastman, Vogel and Addison Daniel also turned in a runner-up performance in 4:01.13.

Reese Taylor of Algona prevailed in the diving competition.

On the junior varsity side, Delaney O’Connor (100 freestyle, 1:03.05), Ellie Schiek (100 breaststroke, 1:31.92) and the 200 medley relay of Emma Winter, Claire Thompson, Breanna Kalvig and Janelle Chada were winners.

“The girls are in a great (collective) frame of mind,” Beaumont said. “The positive energy of the seniors is leading the way. They’re having fun and all feeling like they have a place in this program.”

The Dodgers return to action on Saturday at the Linn-Mar Invitational. The meet begins in Marion at 1 p.m.