Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge senior Meah McCaleb dives to make a catch against Waukee on Tuesday night at Rogers Park. For more photos, visit CU.messengernews.net

Andi Adams has developed a style of softball that is both feared and respected around the state.

On Tuesday at Rogers Park, eighth-ranked (Class 4A) Fort Dodge used its speed and baserunning prowess to mount a rally and top No. 13 (5A) Waukee on Senior Night, 6-2.

The Dodgers (26-11 overall) honored graduates Katie Mason, Meah McCaleb, Lucy Porter, Cadence Touney and Ashlyn Wills prior to the start of the varsity contest. The quintet has helped the program win 126 games over the last four seasons.

“Meah made a play at third that I’ve never seen in all my years around this game,” Adams said. “It was such a smart move and it’s just incredible, especially in a situation like we had. Her softball IQ is off the charts.

“All these seniors have been around this sport and understand what it takes to be successful. They have put in the work, and I hope winning a game like this pushes them to want to finish out the year strong and return to state.”

Down 2-0 in the fifth, Fort Dodge finally got to the Warriors (13-22), who have played a rugged CIML-laden schedule this summer that ranks in the Top-5 of the entire state.

Teryn Rippentrop reached on an error, Hope Alstott doubled and Macy Wills drove in Rippentrop for the first run.

Alstott would come around to score in the same inning, as did Wills and pinch runner Ava Wessels when McCaleb blasted a two-RBI single just past out the outstretched glove of Waukee second baseman Ella Daniel.

“(Waukee head coach) Andy Pals thanked our team after the game for how we play and the kind of pressure we put on a defense,” Adams said. “Like us, they see a lot of power-hitting teams who just crush the ball. We force defenses to be alert and always paying attention.

“He understands that only helps get them ready for the postseason, too.”

Touney plated the final run of the six-run fifth when she singled in McCaleb, who had stole second.

Alstott finished 2-for-4 with a run scored, and McCaleb had a hit and drove in two. Ashlyn Wills, Touney and Rippentrop recorded the only other hits of the evening.

Porter was effective inside the circle, allowing nine hits with two earned run and one strikeout for her 84th career victory. She now has 606 strikeouts as a Dodger, ranking fourth and third for those categories, respectively, in the school’s career history books.

“Nothing is given to you at this level,” Adams said. “These girls know they need to come out every game from here on out and play like this, because it could all be over in an instant.”

Fort Dodge will close out the regular season on Wednesday at No. 4 (5A) West Des Moines Valley. First varsity pitch is set for 7 p.m.

FORT DODGE 6, WAUKEE 2

Waukee 011 000 0 — 2 9 4

Fort Dodge 000 060 x — 6 7 0

WP–Lucy Porter (17-5, 7 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 1 K, 0 BB). LP–Lillie Struck (6 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 4 K, 2 BB).

2B–W: Jaden Van Pelt; FD: Hope Alstott. RBI–W: Giana Lavorato, Shae Swank; FD: Meah McCaleb (2), Macy Wills, Cadence Touney. SB–FD: Meah McCaleb, Teryn Rippentrop, Ashlyn Wills, Macy Wills.