DUBUQUE — Fort Dodge’s Mariaha Benedict and Makayla Liska started the new year off in fashion for the Fort Dodge girls wrestling team on Thursday.

Benedict, a third-ranked (IAwrestle) junior at 135 pounds, and Liska — a No. 9 freshman at 155 — earned two falls in duals against Dubuque Hempstead and Waterloo West.

The Dodgers lost to Waterloo West, 72-12, and Hempstead, 42-24.

Against West, Benedict pinned Elizabeth Roberts in 1:11. It took Liska only 19 seconds for a fall over Mareli Andrade-Gonzalez.

In the Hempstead dual, Benedict stuck Jillian Renee in 53 seconds. Liska had a fall in 3:17 over Morgan Bills.

“They both did a great job,” said FDSH head coach Jon Koenig. “They went out and wrestled tough.

“We’ve been trying some new things, and they were able to put them to use.”

Jessenia Elias (170) and Charlie Stucky (190) earned forfeit victories for the Dodgers.

“The younger girls are doing a good job and picking some things up,” Koenig said. “It’s a growing process, but I feel like some of them are still scared of taking shots and getting into position for takedowns.

“I’m proud of them for making progress. Addie (Mikesell), Alivya Rokes (120), Jessenia are getting there. Tristen Holst (130) is doing well in a new sport.”

Fort Dodge is back in action on Saturday at the Ogden Invitational.