WAVERLY — The Fort Dodge girls basketball squad had a tough opening-night assignment against Waverly-Shell Rock on Friday.

The Dodgers (0-1 overall) dropped a 61-30 contest to the Go-Hawks, who were a state runner-up in Class 4A last season.

“We got behind quick (20-2) and were trying to catch up all night long,” said FDSH head coach Scott Messerly. “We used four different defensive sets and they just shot the ball so well that they always found a crease or a hole in our defense.”

Senior Meah McCaleb, junior LJ Maehl and senior Brooklyn Pommer led the Dodgers with 10 points each.

McCaleb added seven steals, three blocks and two steals.

“We didn’t shoot the ball very well, but did some good things on both ends once we got settled in,” Messerly said. “It was easy for them when they can cheat into the passing lane and take chances with a huge lead like they had.

“We will regroup. It’s so early in the season. The girls did play hard.”

Sophomore standout Lizzy Frazell led W-SR with 25 points. She hit four three-point baskets and had 16 points in the opening period alone.

The Dodgers are back in action on Dec. 3 when they host Boone.