SIOUX CITY — If the Fort Dodge girls soccer squad felt pressure in its postseason opener here on Thursday, the Dodgers never showed it.

In fact, head coach G Myers laughed at her team’s reaction to a 2-0 victory over Sioux City West — the program’s first tournament triumph since 2017.

“They weren’t thinking as much about it being (a one-and-done situation),” Myers said. “It was more about the fact that if we won, our record (on the year) would be 6-7.”

The punch line to the famed, viral social media joke showed just how relaxed Fort Dodge was and how loose it played in dominating the Wolverines (5-8-3). Make no mistake, though — Myers’ Dodgers wanted to take care of business and reach the next round of regionals.

“They were ready to play,” Myers said. “Start to finish.”

Senior Abby Hernandez and junior Addie Lentsch scored goals for Fort Dodge. The defense did the rest, shutting West down and advancing the Dodgers to a regional semifinal on Tuesday at No. 4 Waukee.

“The team played an exceptional match,” Myers said. “They’re having fun, but competing hard.

“Losing, of course, wears on you and really affects your confidence. It’s so great to see it head in the opposite direction and watch the momentum building.”

Dodger goalkeeper Maleah Landfair had another clean sheet — her second in the last three matches.

Fort Dodge has won four consecutive matches for the first time since early 2017 as well. That year, the Dodgers ousted Boone in their postseason opener before bowing out by a 1-0 count at West Des Moines Dowling.

The program had prevailed in only four total matches over the course of the last nine seasons combined before 2026. Now, they’ve done that in the last 16 days.

“The defense was exceptional,” Myers said. “They were relentless. All workhorses.

“They’re just really enjoying this and making the most of it. The (positive attention) means so much. So many people are excited about the program, which means the world to us.”