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FD’s Benedict notches 150th career victory

OGDEN — All the little accolades add up and are important, but Fort Dodge’s Mariaha Benedict has a golden ticket on her mind.

Benedict, a three-time state qualifier, picked up her 150th career victory on her way to the Ogden Invitational championship on Saturday.

The Dodgers placed sixth in the field with 112 points.

Benedict (30-3) pinned her way through the 135-pound bracket. She had falls in 22 seconds, 55 seconds, 1:14 and 1:21.

“It’s good to see (Mariaha) get these career milestones, but she has bigger goals,” said FDSH head coach Jon Koenig. “She is super focused, knowing this is her last shot at getting to the top of the podium. She wants to finish her career as best as she can.

“She is double practicing with her club team and doing her school work. Props to her for handling that stress and responsibility.”

Freshman Ava Potter (28-4) placed second for Fort Dodge. Potter had a fall in 1:49 of the quarterfinals, then knocked off Kinley Jimenez of South Tama in 5:45 during their 235-pound semifinal.

In the championship round, Potter lost a tight 6-5 decision to Emmalyn Buchman of Colfax-Mingo.

“Ava had (Buchman) gassed. Ava has a really good fuel tank for her size,” Koenig said. “We had her in a good spot, but made some mistakes and weren’t able to get back.

“Ava had some big wins, taking down a fourth-ranked kid. And Buchman is No. 1 in Class 1A.”

Shayley Butrick (110) and Brooklyn Nelson (115) both took fourth for the Dodgers. Tori Jakeman (170) was sixth and Emma Potter (190) placed seventh.

Butrick (29-7) had two wins on the day. The freshman had a fall in 1:03 and prevailed, 11-7.

After losing in the quarterfinals, Nelson (25-10) bounced back with three victories. She had two falls and won by medical forfeit.

“Shayley and Brooklyn had some tough matches,” Koenig said. “It was a long day and we made some mistakes. They should be proud for placing. Tori and Emma had some big wins as well.”

Jakeman (17-21) had three wins — all by fall. Emma Potter (12-20) had three victories.

“I’m happy with the results, but the girls may not have been as happy and that’s a good thing to want more,” Koenig said. “We keep chopping away at the tree, and hopefully, it falls at regionals.”

The Dodgers are back in action on Thursday when they host Ames and Boone in the FDSH gym.

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