-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Alexis Ross of Iowa Central wrestles against Iowa Lakes Holly Garrett on Wednesday

For the final time, Alexis Ross stepped on the mat inside Hodges Fieldhouse as a member of the Iowa Central women’s wrestling team here Wednesday night.

The Fort Dodge Senior High graduate and former state champion did what she has done so many times before — dominate.

Ross scored a fall, helping the No. 7 Tritons control Iowa Lakes on Sophomore Night, 50-6.

It was an expected lopsided result for the reigning national dual champions, as the Lakers forfeited at six weights. Iowa Central scored two falls and a pair of technical falls, losing just one match.

Lacey Reed joined Ross with a pin while both Rhonda Faye Auradou and Kammie Schanz picked up technical falls. Myah Rausch, Aneth Campos, Avery Mohr, Brylie Schaub, Cynthia Ellis and Breanna Salgado were all awarded forfeit.

“This class was our second-ever group of sophomores,” Iowa Central head coach Zak Hensley said. “They have made such an everlasting impact on the program’s culture with their toughness and dedication. These athletes have dedicated countless hours and it was a privilege to honor them and send them out the right way.”

Last month, the Tritons served notice to the rest of the NJCAA teams, capturing gold at the Coaches Duals in Oklahoma with a resounding win over sixth-ranked Iowa Western in the finals.

Prior to the start of the meet, sophomores Rausch, Auradou, Mohr, Ross, Schanz, Ellis and Salgado were among those honored for devoting the past two years to helping get the program into the spotlight.

“Every single one of our sophomores have grown so much,” Hensley said. “As the end of the season approaches, I’m excited to see where this team finishes. I have mixed feelings (Wednesday night) as I was thrilled to honor them, but I’m sad our days together are numbered. We will enjoy every second we have left as a group.

“I couldn’t thank all of them enough or express just how proud I am of them. They have truly left their mark for a lifetime.”

Iowa Central will try to add the ICCAC Tournament title to its resume when they travel to Council Bluffs next Saturday. The NJCAA National Tournament is set for March 7-8, also in Council Bluffs.

The league tournament will also feature No. 1 Indian Hills and 10th-ranked North Iowa Area from the latest NJCAA rankings.