Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Karlee Pearson of Fort Dodge competes on Tuesday against Ames in the Dodger pool. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

When Fort Dodge hits the starting blocks against Ames, the Dodgers know they are going against one of the best girls swim programs in the state.

On Tuesday night in the FDSH pool, it was the same case. Fort Dodge didn’t come away empty handed, though.

The Dodgers lost the meet, 138-36, but came away with three event victories.

The quartet of Nora O’Connor, Karlee Pearson, Gracie Harvey and Teagan Loots started the meet with a victory in the 200 medley.

“It was an awesome win,” said Fort Dodge head coach Ashley Beaumont. “Ames probably thought they could beat us in every event, and we showed we weren’t going to let that happen.”

Loots out-touched Ames’ Megan MacLeod at the wall for the victory, as the Dodgers won in 2:07.08 to Ames’ time of 2:07.70.

It was another tight finish in the 50 freestyle, but Pearson (27.16) came away with the victory, edging Ames Jaylyn Light (27.27).

“That was awesome to see Karlee get the win,” Beaumont said. “She probably won’t be swimming that at the end (of the season), but it was nice to see her come out and get a strong time. That sets us up well heading into the (home Gary) Winkler Invite.”

Harvey earned gold in the 100 breaststroke (1:20.65) by nearly three seconds over Light (1:23.47).

“This wasn’t a normal event for Gracie, who wanted to try something different,” Beaumont said. “She went out and got it.”

The FDSH 200 freestyle quartet of Harvey, O’Connor, Loots and Pearson placed third (1:58.52).

Fort Dodge is back in action on Saturday when they host the Winkler Invitational in the Dodger pool. The first event is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m.