Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge's Maeleena Meyer hits the ball over the net against Des Moines Hoover on Tuesday in the Dodger gym. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

On a night in which the Fort Dodge senior volleyball players honored their mentors, the Dodgers put on a strong performance here on Tuesday.

The Dodgers (6-11 overall) returned home for the first time in nearly a month, sweeping Des Moines Hoover (0-10) in straight sets. Scores were 25-12, 25-7, 25-11.

Before the contest, Fort Dodge’s eight seniors recognized teachers who have been a strong influence on their respective high school careers, giving a small glimpse into what each has done for the program’s elder statespeople.

“This is a great confidence boost for us,” said FDSH head coach Beth Wilder. “We’ve been struggling, so it’s nice to be able to readjust and find a groove — especially in front of our fans.”

Once the Dodgers hit the court, it was all business. The first set was tight early before the Dodgers settled in and pulled away.

Clinging to a 10-6 lead, the Dodgers went on a 7-1 run for a 10-point advantage. They then closed out the Huskies with a kill and an ace from senior Lucy Porter.

“We were a little shaky in the first set,” Wilder said. “We were able to control our side and work it out.”

The Dodgers burst out of the gate in the second set, scoring the first 10 points and earning a 17-1 advantage at one point.

During Fort Dodge’s 17-point stretch, sophomore Ellie Doster started the barrage at the service line. She had four aces during that stretch. Senior Meah McCaleb and junior LJ Maehl recorded two kills each.

Porter tallied four kills during one five-point run.

“Playing with a lead is nice as long as we extend it,” Wilder said. “The girls were able to keep digging and moving forward.”

With Fort Dodge looking to close out the third set, the Dodgers got the chance to get some playing time for their younger players.

“We mixed our lineup a little and were able to get some of our younger players a chance at the varsity court,” Wilder said. “We have a lot of seniors, so be able to put the young players next to our seniors is invaluable.”

It was a tight start in the third game, with the Huskies staying within 9-6 early. The Dodgers went on a 7-0 run, though, and never looked back.

During the run, senior Cadence Touney had three kills.

Freshman Grace Nichols recorded two kills, while sophomore Maddie Hoshaw had one and junior Teryn Rippentrop recorded an ace.

Porter finished with seven kills. McCaleb had six and Maehl had three. Doster finished the match with six aces from the service line.

Fort Dodge is back in action when they face Des Moines East (3-10) at home on Thursday. First serve is set for 7:15 p.m.