IOWA CITY — Fort Dodge senior Micah Flaherty will finish in the top-eight at the state tournament for the fourth time in his career.

The Dodger senior, who came into this week’s boys state tournament as the second seed, won his first match on Tuesday before suffering a loss in the quarterfinals.

In the opening round, Flaherty cruised past Bettendorf senior Noah Gehler, 6-1 and 6-0. Flaherty ran into a buzzsaw in the quarterfinals against Kellan Croatt of Waukee Northwest, though. Croatt prevailed, 6-4 and 6-2.

On the consolation side, Flaherty ousted freshman Aaadi Patel of Johnston.

“It’s always a great experience to play at the state tournament,” Flaherty said. “Unfortunately, I faced a really great (opponent).

“I was able to bounce back really well, and I have high hopes for the rest of the tournament.”

Croatt is a two-time state doubles champion last season with Jake Nelson, who is the No. 8 seed. Nelson is in the other semifinal.

Both Wolves players will play the Schulte brothers of Cedar Rapids Prairie Rapids Prairie. Nelson will square off with senior Anthony Schulte, and Croatt has freshman Dylan Schulte.

Flaherty, who can place as high as fifth, will meet junior Ben Smalley of Cedar Falls on Wednesday.

The Dodger senior was fourth a year ago. He placed seventh as a sophomore and eighth as a freshman.