RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Spearfish Spartans Girls Wrestling team turned in an impressive performance at the Rapid City Invitational, finishing third overall out of 43 teams in one of the largest and most competitive tournaments of the season.
Spearfish brought 13 wrestlers to the meet and saw eight Spartans place, showcasing both depth and consistency across multiple weight classes. The strong showing as a team highlighted the program’s continued growth and ability to compete with top programs from across the region.
Leading the way for the Spartans were Candice Matsuda (130 lbs) and Mathilde Matsuda (135 lbs), who each battled their way to second-place finishes. Both wrestlers put together standout tournaments, advancing to the championship matches in deep brackets.
Several other Spartans also earned top-four finishes. Jayden Werlinger (125 lbs) placed fourth, while Marlee Heltzel (190 lbs) also finished fourth, adding valuable team points in the upper weights.
Additional placers for Spearfish included Kimber Baker (120 lbs) and Harlow McCauley (140 lbs), who each earned seventh place, along with Sydney Badwound (170 lbs), who also finished seventh. At 140 pounds, Kimberlyn Heisler rounded out the placers with an eighth-place finish.
With a third-place team finish against a 43-team field, the Spartans proved they belong among the top girls wrestling programs in the state. The performance at Rapid City serves as another strong benchmark as Spearfish continues its season.