SPEARFISH, S.D. — The Spearfish Spartan volleyball squad dropped set one to the Sturgis Scoopers 26-24, then roared back to win the next three sets 25-17, 25-19 and 25-22 to win the match three sets to one.
The Scoopers were looking for revenge after Spearfish came back to beat Sturgis three sets to two on Sept. 22nd at West Gymnasium. The Scoopers beat Spearfish in set one, 26-24 behind stellar net play by junior middle hitter Kaylee Whatley, who pounded a kill past the Spartan defense to win set point.
The Scoopers jumped out to a quick 4-1 lead in set two but Spearfish tied up the set at 10 points apiece with outstanding net play of their own. Middle blocker Karstin Dupont and senior outside hitter Erin Rotert led the Spartans on a 7-0 run to take the lead late in the set, 24-16. Senior outside hitter Makayla Keffeler tried to spark a comeback with a kill but it was too little, too late as Spearfish took set two, 25-17.
It was more of the same in set three as the Spartans led 13-6 and then went on a 5-0 run to lead 18-6 before the Scoopers closed the gap. Spearfish led 20-14 and head coach Christine Skoglund called a time out to slow the Sturgis momentum. The Spartans made an unforced error at set point to make the score 24-15 and senior middle hitter Jillian Beck scored a kill to give the Scooper some hope. Sturgis scored the next three points but made an unforced error to give the set to Spearfish, 25-19.
Set four was back and forth early, with neither team leading by more than three points. Sturgis head coach Deb Cano called time out as Spearfish got out to a 14-11 lead. The Scoopers wouldn’t go away and led by two, 20-18 late in the match. Both teams made unforced errors and a controversial call by the officials gave Spearfish a 23-22 lead. Sophomore setter Lily McCarty then served an ace to make it match point for the Spartans. Miscommunication by the Scooper front three let the ball fall to the court on the next point and Spearfish won set four and the match, 25-22.
McCarty had a great night from her setter position, assisting her teammates 24 times during the match and adding two aces and a kill for Spearfish. Hallie Rogers added 11 kills with teammate Dupont chipping in seven kills, three blocks and one ace. Senior Dylan Reman had nine kills and one block for the Spartans.
Sturgis was led by Keffeler with 11 kills, two blocks and one assist. Brinley Pickett had eight kills and three assists, and Joellen Cano delivered 14 assists, one kill and five aces.
Spearfish improves to 5-6 on the season and hosts Rapid City Stevens on Thursday, Oct. 8. Sturgis falls to 6-7 and travels to Hill City on Saturday, Oct. 10.
