The Spearfish Lady Spartans (19-11) will travel to Rapid City Thursday night for a pivotal matchup against the No. 5-ranked Stevens Lady Raiders (25-9), with major postseason implications on the line. The contest features the top two West River Class AA programs and could determine which team earns the right to host a SoDak 16 playoff match.
Currently seeded 10th in the Class AA power point standings, Spearfish must secure a win to climb into the top eight and gain home-court advantage in the SoDak 16 next week. Stevens, meanwhile, sits firmly in fifth and looks to solidify its position with another victory.
Senior outside hitter Adelyn Bouman leads the Spartans with 302 kills and 45 aces, anchoring the lineup alongside five-year starting setter Kali Reiners. Middle hitter Tabatha Zandstra has emerged as a key contributor down the stretch, leading the team in blocks (52) and ranking second in aces (39).
Spearfish enters the match riding momentum after sweeping Rapid City Central 3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-20), marking its third consecutive match with an improved ace average. The Spartans recorded 13 aces in the win.
Both teams share similar resumes, with common victories over Sturgis, Pierre, Huron, and Rapid City Central, and losses to Harrisburg, Brandon Valley, Mitchell, and Watertown. Stevens has faced a heavier slate of Class AA opponents, while Spearfish’s schedule has included more Class A competition through the Black Hills Conference.
Spearfish is 4-9 against teams with winning records and 0-6 against Class AA programs with winning records. A win would significantly boost the Spartans’ postseason outlook, while a loss could eliminate their chances of hosting a SoDak 16 match. Stevens has won three of the last four meetings between the teams, including a 3-1 decision last season in Spearfish.
First serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Rapid City Stevens High School. Fans can listen live on KDSJ 980 AM, 103.5 FM, and online at kdsj980.com. The match will also be streamed on KDSJ-TV via YouTube and Facebook, with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m.
