Submitted photo: The Fort Dodge Gazelles pose together at the state rugby tournament in Cedar Falls on Sunday.

CEDAR FALLS — The Fort Dodge Gazelles competed in the state rugby tournament for the first time in their three-year program history this past weekend.

The Gazelles lost both of their matches on the pitch. In the opening round they fell to Central Springs by a final of 31-7. Fort Dodge was then ousted by Mason City in a consolation match, 26-17.

“The majority of the team are returning players, and their experience from previous years helped new players learn the basics quickly,” said Gazelle head coach Corey Peterman. “Getting the basics out of the way early allowed the team to cover the finer details of rugby and play the strategy.

“Bella’s (Lee) kicking made a big impact this year. Each conversion is only worth two points, but making those conversions is often the difference in winning or losing close games.”

The Gazelles (8-6 overall) had lost to Central Springs in Week 1, and were seeking revenge at state.

“We struggled to get going the first two years (with four total victories), but that wasn’t from a lack of talent,” Peterman said. “Though short on numbers at times, there are a few girls that have been here since the beginning.

“The team was building each year, so our success this season wasn’t surprising. Because of the senior leaders and the support from the community, the program will keep growing.”

Starting for the Gazelles in the 2024 state tournament were Jessenia Elias, Jade Flatgard, Dakota Pommer, Ashlyn Wills, Emma Estlund, Bella Lee and Josie Harvey. Ky’Mariana Mosley, Tyran Peterman, Dari Ortiz-Colon, Allissa Dugan and Mariana Taute were also in the rotation.

It was an eight-team bracket. Top-seeded Cedar Falls ended up as the runner up, losing to No. 2 Waverly-Shell Rock. The Dodgers were the four seed.

“We started this year with a goal of qualifying for state,” Peterman said. “With the success we had this season, we set new goals as the year progressed.”

Pommer (prop) and Wills (scrum half) were named to the Elite all-state squad. Flatgard (hook) was honorable mention.

Wills was Fort Dodge’s leader in tries with 15 tries entering the state tournament. Lee had recorded 10 tries and 26 conversions. Flatgard had contributed seven tries.

Mosley (27) and Pommer (23) were the leaders in tackles.

Wills, Harvey and Flatgard were team captains.