On the softball diamond before her freshman year, Alstott proved that age doesn’t matter.

Alstott was named to the IGCA All-State first team, the first eighth-grader in the history of Fort Dodge Senior High.

“It was an amazing first season as a Dodger and I’m beyond thankful for my teammates and coaches,” Alstott said. “We pushed each other all year and it showed.”

Sophomore pitcher Lucy Porter, who became the Dodgers No. 1 pitcher this season, was selected to the second team.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Hope Alstott of Fort Dodge tags Waukee Brynn Herren on Monday at Rogers Park

“Being second team All-State was definitely a huge accomplishment for me,” Porter said. “After our season, we obviously didn’t get the result we wanted, but it will only make us stronger for next year.”

Alstott is the fifth Dodger to be named to an All-State team, joining Morgan Paulson, Dyann Peterson, Jalen Adams, and Mariah Myers.

She could join Paulson, Peterson and Adams as the only five-time All-State picks in school history.

In her rookie voyage, Alstott batted .415. She had 51 hits and drove in 32 runs, while stealing 15 bases. She was tied with the 10th most hits in Class 4A.

“The next four years I’ll continue to show my love for softball and work with my team and coaches,” Alstott said. “I’m honored to be selected as All-State.”

In the field at second base and mostly shortstop, she boasted a 93 percent fielding percentage.

“I’m telling you what she did was impressive,” said Fort Dodge head coach Andi Adams. “With the season she had, I knew she was going to make history.

“Most of the year she hit over .500. She is one of the most coachable kids and listens. She is phenomenal.”

Alstott and Porter helped lead the Dodgers to a fourth place finish in the 4A state tournament, losing a tight 10 inning contest in the semifinals.

“When you look at these two, they go to camps and do the extra stuff,” Adams said. “They find extra or different ways to play ball to reach their goals.

“There is no question they will finish as great Dodger players and reach the collegiate level someday. Their work ethic is loud.”

Porter had a breakout campaign in the circle, helping the Dodgers push through the season.

“This year was a completely different experience for me and the whole team than any other year,” Porter said. “This year was definitely a big step to making the team as a whole stronger.

“I wouldn’t change anything that happened this season because it helps us learn lessons way past the game of softball.

“A great accomplishment for this year, can’t wait to go even further next year.”

She led Class 4A in innings pitched (198.1), was second in wins (21) and third in strikeouts (208).

“She wanted it more than anything,” Adams said. “Lucy wants the ball. She will work harder in the off season and gain more speed along with another pitch.”

With a mix of upper and lower classmen, Adams likes having Porter returning next season.

“After games, she (Porter) goes to the Softball Connection and works,” Adams said. “She is never satisfied.”