THE FORT DODGE WRESTLING team, including Webster city senior Maddie Pulis (front, center), celebrates their title at the West Central Valley tournament in Stuart. (Submitted photo)

STUART — For the first time in their young program history, the Fort Dodge girls wrestling squad walked away from a tournament with a title in tow.

Anchored by a gold medal from Webster City senior Maddie Pulis, the Dodgers cruised to the West Central Valley title on Saturday, accumulating 121 points to take the top spot. Red Oak (87), West Central Valley (71) and Clarinda (66) were next in line.

Mariaha Benedict (135 pounds) and Pulis (170) were individual gold medalists for FDSH, which is in its second season of team competition. Fellow Dodgers Gracie Harvey (110), Andee Barwin (120) and Lucy Porter (145) all finished as runner-ups. Delaney O’Connor (140) was third.

“This was a definite confidence boost for the program,” FDSH head coach Jon Koenig said. “I’m super proud of them and it’s great to see them be able to celebrate (a first-place performance).

“There was a little bit of shock, given we’ve been in this position before and we couldn’t quite keep (the opposition at bay). It was nice to take control early and leave no doubt. Even though we weren’t at full strength, everyone did their job and fought hard.”

Benedict (37-3) continued to dominate with a pair of pins in under a minute. Pulis (29-7) went 4-0 with four falls.

“They both wrestled really well again,” Koenig said. “Mariaha’s bracket was set up in a traditional form, while Maddie had a round robin. Maddie has been dominant in her wins this season.

“They’re just working toward being at their best for super regionals and building physical and mental endurance to keep closing out matches strong.”

Harvey (24-11), Barwin (9-12) and Porter (12-13) all reached the championship round before bowing out against tough competition.

“They’re all still learning and gaining mat experience — not necessarily from this season, but just in terms of years,” Koenig said. “They aren’t losing with huge mistakes. Just little things it takes to gain an edge.

“That just comes with time and knowing how to handle different scenarios as they come along.”

O’Connor (25-19) went 3-1 with a semifinal loss by decision. Macy Brown (20-19) took fifth at 130 by prevailing in her final match via fall.

“I think we’re sitting about where we need to be,” Koenig said. “The goal is to continue to get better every day leading up to the postseason.”

Fort Dodge hosts Ames on Thursday for Senior Night. The meet begins at 5:30 p.m. inside the Dodger gym.