Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge's Mariaha Benedict works on an opponent during the FDSH Invitational inside the Dodger gym on Friday. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Mariaha Benedict finished 2025 in style.

The Fort Dodge senior capped the year with her second Fort Dodge girls Invitational title championship here on Friday.

Freshman Ava Potter (235) joined the second-ranked (IAwrestle) Benedict in the winner’s circle.

Benedict’s efforts earned her Most Outstanding Wrestler of the meet honors.

“Winning the title at home is a great feeling,” Benedict said. “The tough matches are always super fun.

“Being named the Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament is even better, especially knowing that there were multiple state placers and great wrestlers (in the field).”

The Dodgers finished fifth in the team standings with 105 points. Algona (210) was the champion, followed by Mason City (146), Humboldt (144) and Clear Lake (110).

“We didn’t have (sophomore) Brooklyn (Nelson), because she got hurt earlier in the week, and we’re still waiting to see when or if we will have Makayla (Liska) back,” Koenig said. “So the team standings could have looked a lot different had we been at full-strength.

“We are in a good spot as a team, though.”

No. 11 freshman Shayley Butrick (110) was a runner-up for FDSH.

Benedict (24-3), the school’s all-time career wins leader (144), recorded two falls and a major decision.

“Overall, the night was amazing and I’m beyond proud of all of the girls. They are improving so much and it shows,” Benedict said. “We are ready for the rest of the season.”

Benedict dominated Clear Lake’s fifth-ranked (1A) Pieper Lester (18-2), 12-0 in the 135-pound final.

Benedict, who will wrestle at Northwestern College next season in Orange City, had two first-period falls in her opening matches.

“Mariaha had a great tournament and earned Most Outstanding wrestler,” Koenig said. “She’s been in the finals here four times, and this is her second title.

“Now we are going to take time and get some practice in at break and work to take off like a rocket in January.”

Potter (24-3) pinned Algona’s Karsyn Myhre (1:12) and Emmetsburg’s Montana Wilson (1:56) on her way to the crown at 235.

“Ava did a great job,” Koenig said. “There were only five girls at her weight and she didn’t get very many matches, but she has had a ton of mat time this year.

“I’m proud of her. She has set herself up for a great second half of the season.”

Butrick (25-5) pinned Olyvia Satern of Humboldt (2:44) and Marlee Thompson of Eagle Grove (4:23) to reach the finals. She lost to fourth-rated Aubrey Hoveland (24-3) of Mason City by fall in 2:21.

Lydia Cowell (100) and Tori Jakeman (170) both finished fourth for FDSH.

“Shayley did an outstanding job and had a tough opponent in the finals,” Koenig said. “This will motivate her even more.

“Lydia and Tori did a great job and wrestled hard.”