SPEARFISH, S.D. – Rapid City Christian snapped a three-match losing streak against Spearfish on Tuesday night, defeating the Spartans 3-1 at the Spearfish High School gym for the Comets’ first win in the series since Sept. 5, 2023.
The Comets claimed the opening two sets 25-19 and 25-11 before Spearfish battled back to win the third set 25-22. Rapid City Christian regained control in the fourth, pulling away for a 25-11 victory to secure the match.
Spearfish struggled with unforced errors throughout the night, allowing the Comets to take advantage and build momentum in each of the first two sets. The Spartans found their rhythm in the third set, however, turning a 10-10 tie into a five-point lead behind strong serving from Julia Billington. Billington recorded two aces during a key run, helping Spearfish build a 15-10 advantage. The Spartans later stretched the lead to 22-17 before holding off a late comeback attempt to force a fourth set.
Rapid City Christian answered quickly in the final frame, breaking a 3-3 tie with five straight points and eventually building a 13-4 lead on the way to the match-clinching win.
Chloe Weber led all players with 13 kills and added an ace for Rapid City Christian, earning Player of the Game honors.
Billington paced Spearfish with 12 kills, three service aces and 10 digs. Layla Meredith added eight kills, 13 assists and a team-high 12 digs, while Addison Keller contributed seven kills and nine digs. Piper Jacobs dished out 19 assists for the Spartans.
At the net, Finley Bouman led Spearfish with six blocks, including four solo stops, while Keller added two blocks.
The loss dropped Spearfish to 7-6 on the season. The Spartans return to action at home against Aberdeen Central on Friday before hosting Pierre on Saturday.
Replay: https://www.youtube.com/live/l_5U58SziZo?si=ubRQe-uQe0qxev8N
