COUNCIL BLUFFS — It’s been a daunting past two weeks for the Fort Dodge girls wrestling team.

The youthful Dodgers have seen the toughest teams in the state and the midwest at both the Dan Gable Donnybrook, and on Saturday, at the Council Bluffs Classic.

The Dodgers had five wrestlers place in the Top-10 as they finished ninth in the team standings with 270.5 points, their best finish here in school history.

“We came into Saturday in ninth place and we didn’t start very well,” said FDSH head coach Jon Koenig. “We kicked it into gear and ended the day in ninth and got a lot of extra points from pins and wins from the girls on the front side.”

Three-time state qualifier Mariaha Benedict (21-3), the second-ranked (IAwrestle) wrestler at 135 pounds in Class 2A, placed fourth after reaching the semifinals.

Benedict had four first-period falls, but ran into two tough opponents in the semis and the third place match, respectively.

The Dodger senior faced defending Nebraska state champion Sofia Hoegemeyer (11-0) of Millard South and top-rated defending state champion Lexa Rozevink (19-1) of Ames.

Benedict, who has 141 career victories, had Hoegemeyer in a tough spot, leading 13-2, but Hogemeyer caught Benedict and pinned her in 4:43. She then lost by fall to Rozevink.

“That was a returning state champion from Nebraska,” Koenig said. “Mariaha knew her and had wrestled her before. We just didn’t pick the right position and she got flipped — it’s a tough pill to swallow.

“I reminded her she can still achieve all of her goals and that it was more of a learning experience.”

Freshman Ava Potter (22-3) lost in the quarterfinals, but bounced back with two falls and a major decision to finish fifth for Fort Dodge at 235. Potter had six wins in the tourney.

Sophomore Brooklyn Nelson (19-8) placed sixth at 115 pounds. Like Potter, she lost in the quarterfinals after three wins and then had two consolation victories. She had four falls and a major decision.

“Brooklyn has definitely turned a bit of a corner this part of the season and placed here for the first time,” Koenig said. “She got on the podium and is looking for some momentum.”

No. 11 freshman Shayley Butrick (23-4) was seventh at 110 pounds. Butrick pinned Gracie Peters of Brandon Valley in 4:50 for the finish. She had six falls in the two day tourney.

All six of Butrick’s wins were by fall.

Freshman Tori Jakeman (13-14) was ninth at 170 pounds. Jakeman had four victories in the tournament, with two falls.

“Shayley ran into a buzzsaw and that’s what happens,” Koenig said. “She has the technique and skill, but experience is key as well.

“Ava showed she has great potential and aggressiveness. Tori was one spot from the podium. She wrestled really hard.”

Freshman Emma Potter (190) was 11th, as classmate Lydia Cowell (100) was 12th for the Dodgers. Freshman Mariana Taute (130) placed 13th.

Fort Dodge back in action on Friday, when it hosts the FDSH Invitational.