STURGIS, S.D. – The Spearfish Spartans came up short Tuesday night in a hard-fought rivalry match, falling to Sturgis 3-1 at the Sturgis High School West Gym.
After dropping the opening set 25-18, Spearfish responded in set two. The Spartans built an eight-point lead before surviving a late Sturgis rally to earn a 26-24 victory and even the match.
Spearfish appeared poised to take control in the third set after jumping out to an 8-0 advantage. However, Sturgis battled back from the early deficit and edged the Spartans 28-26 in a tightly contested set that proved to be the turning point of the match.
The Spartans rallied again in set four, overcoming an early nine-point deficit and tying the score at 21-21 behind strong play from Addison Keller and freshman Finley Bouman. But Sturgis closed the match with a late run, including three straight aces to end the match, and claimed the set 25-21 to secure the victory.
The win was significant for the Scoopers, ending an eight-match losing streak against Spearfish that dated back to five years ago and marking Sturgis’ first victory over the Spartans since October 2021.
Spearfish falls to 7-10 on the season and will look to bounce back Thursday when the Spartans travel to face Custer.
Sturgis, now 6-7 and winning 5 of their last 6, will compete in the Belle Fourche Tournament later this week.
Replay: https://www.youtube.com/live/qEl_P7uBk3A?si=bl_va_09Lg2nrz0A
