SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Spearfish Spartans (10-14) dropped a hard-fought five-set match Tuesday night, falling to the Campbell County Fighting Camels of Gillette, Wyoming, 3-2 (23-25, 25-23, 10-25, 25-22, 15-11) in high school volleyball action in Spearfish.
The Spartans claimed the first and third sets after building early momentum, but Campbell County rallied to win sets two and four before holding off Spearfish in the decisive fifth set. The victory avenged a two-set sweep Campbell County suffered against Spearfish earlier this season at the Gillette Volleyball Invite, and is the first time in two years the Camels beat the Spartans.
Spearfish opened the match with a 25-23 win in the first set as the teams traded points and runs throughout a closely contested frame. Campbell County answered in the second set, controlling the tempo from the service line and pulling out a 25-23 victory to even the match.
The Spartans dominated the third set, cruising to a 25-10 win as Campbell County struggled with serve receive, resulting in offensive miscues and several hitting errors.
Momentum shifted again in the fourth set as the Camels turned the tables. Campbell County’s serving put Spearfish out of system and forced a number of unforced errors. The Camels built an 18-8 advantage before the Spartans mounted a comeback, cutting the deficit to 23-22. However, Campbell County closed the match on a 3-0 run to secure a 25-22 win and force a fifth set.
In the deciding set, Spearfish raced to a 6-1 lead before Campbell County responded with an 8-2 run to take a 9-8 advantage. The Camels continued to control play from the service line, using several late aces to limit Spearfish’s offensive opportunities and secure the 15-11 set victory.
Addie Keller led Spearfish with a match-high 15 kills and earned Superior Performance honors. Julia Billington added nine kills and one ace, while Finley Bouman recorded seven kills and one ace. Millie Adams contributed four kills, and sophomore libero Emma Dahl finished with one kill and two aces.
Campbell County was led by senior outside hitter Addyson Layten, who recorded eight kills and four aces. Junior setter Madison Fisher added three aces, while senior middle blocker Taya Nuzum finished with six kills and one ace.
Serving proved to be the difference in the match, as Campbell County out-aced Spearfish 10-4. In a contest that featured momentum swings throughout, the Camels’ ability to control the service line ultimately helped secure the victory.
The loss drops Spearfish to 10-14 on the season. The Spartans enter a challenging weekend as hosts of the East/West Tournament on Friday and Saturday. Brookings, Yankton and No. 4 Watertown are scheduled to compete Friday, while No. 2 Brandon Valley and No. 1 Harrisburg will take the court Saturday. All tournament contests will be played in a best-of-three format.
Replay: https://www.youtube.com/live/UAES1c0_bXM?si=4VeGDSs4syy7c52H
