SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Spearfish Spartans girls wrestling program delivered a landmark performance at the 2026 South Dakota State Girls Wrestling Tournament in Sioux Falls, finishing third overall out of 64 teams while setting a new program record with 104 team points. The podium finish marks the highest team placement in program history and underscores the Spartans’ rapid rise as one of the state’s premier girls wrestling programs.
Spearfish qualified seven wrestlers for the state tournament and saw six of them secure top-eight finishes, demonstrating both depth and high-end talent across multiple weight classes. The Spartans’ balanced scoring proved decisive in the team standings, as placements came from throughout the lineup.
Leading the charge were state runners-up Mathilde Matsuda at 135 pounds and Marlee Heltzel at 190 pounds. Both advanced to their respective championship matches with commanding performances through the bracket, earning silver medals and delivering pivotal points that propelled Spearfish into the top three.
A strong supporting group added critical placement points. Morgan Little (105 lbs), Candice Matsuda (130 lbs), and Makita Raysor (145 lbs) each battled through the consolation rounds to claim fifth place, while Sydney Badwound (170 lbs) secured a seventh-place finish. Haven Baker (115 lbs) also competed at the state tournament, representing Spearfish on wrestling’s biggest stage.