SPEARFISH, S.D. — The Spearfish Spartans built an early advantage and responded when Belle Fourche threatened in the second half, earning a 3-1 victory over the Broncs on Tuesday at the Black Hills Power Sports Complex.
The win moved the Spartans to 2-6 on the season, with Ashlynn Little finding the back of the net twice to lead the Spearfish attack.
Spearfish struck first with 21:50 remaining in the opening half. Little put the Spartans on the board with her second goal of the season, giving Spearfish an early 1-0 advantage.
The Spartans didn’t wait long to add another.
Just over five minutes later, Gabrielle Ranek found the back of the net with 16:48 remaining in the first half, pushing the Spearfish lead to 2-0.
Spearfish carried that advantage into halftime, but Belle Fourche came out aggressively to begin the second half.
Mikka Dunavant found the back of the net just 1:49 after the break, cutting the Spartans’ lead to 2-1 with 38:11 remaining.
The goal provided a wake-up call for Spearfish. With Belle Fourche suddenly within striking distance, the Spartans began playing with more urgency as they looked to regain control of the match.
Little eventually delivered.
With 20:30 remaining, Little scored her second goal of the match to restore Spearfish’s two-goal advantage at 3-1. The goal also gave Little her third goal of the season.
From there, the Spartans protected the lead and closed out the 3-1 victory to improve to 2-6.
Spearfish will have a quick turnaround before heading east. The Spartans will travel to Sioux Falls to take on Sioux Falls Christian on Friday at Sanford Crossing.