The Class AA state volleyball tournament bracket has been finalized, with the 11th-seeded Sioux Falls Jefferson achieving the sole upset during the SoDak 16 on Thursday night. Jefferson triumphed over 6th-seeded Rapid City Stevens with a 3-1 victory, marking the most significant upset by seed in the SoDak 16’s Class AA history since its inception in 2017. This victory brings Jefferson’s season record to 12-12.
Before Thursday, only four of the 64 lower-seeded teams had claimed road victories in the Class AA volleyball SoDak 16, specifically the 9th and 10th seeds. Jefferson’s win was unique as it was the only match to extend beyond three sets, showcasing their resilience and determination. This victory signifies a strong return to the state tournament for Jefferson, which previously finished fourth in 2024.
Rapid City Stevens concluded its season with a record of 26-12. Meanwhile, the top-seeded Harrisburg, reigning champions with three consecutive state titles, advanced decisively by sweeping Sturgis in their match. Other teams that secured their spots include Brandon Valley, O’Gorman, and Sioux Falls Lincoln.
The tournament will commence on November 20 in Rapid City, where the first-round matchups have been set. Jefferson will face O’Gorman, while Watertown will go against the Patriots from Jefferson in the quarterfinals. Additionally, Brandon Valley will compete against 7th-seeded Sioux Falls Washington, and Mitchell will meet Harrisburg, marking an end to an eight-year absence from the state tournament for Mitchell.
The scores from the Class AA SoDak 16 matches on Thursday are as follows:
– Brandon Valley defeated Rapid City Central, 25-16, 25-23, 25-20
– Harrisburg defeated Sturgis, 25-5, 25-11, 25-8
– Mitchell defeated Spearfish, 25-12, 25-15, 25-22
– Sioux Falls Jefferson defeated Rapid City Stevens, 25-23, 21-25, 25-19, 25-18
– Sioux Falls Lincoln defeated Yankton, 25-20, 25-21, 25-13
– Sioux Falls O’Gorman defeated Brookings, 25-11, 25-6, 24-16
– Sioux Falls Washington defeated Aberdeen Central, 25-12, 25-18, 25-17
– Watertown defeated Huron, 25-23, 28-26, 25-13
The upcoming Class AA state quarterfinals will take place on Thursday, November 20, at Summit Arena in Rapid City. The schedule for the quarterfinals is as follows:
– No. 1 Harrisburg (32-2) vs. No. 8 Mitchell (16-8) at noon
– No. 4 Sioux Falls Lincoln (19-5) vs. No. 5 Watertown (20-9)
– No. 2 Brandon Valley (25-3) vs. No. 7 Sioux Falls Washington (17-7) at 6 p.m.
– No. 3 Sioux Falls O’Gorman (24-4) vs. No. 11 Sioux Falls Jefferson (12-12) at 7:45 p.m.
As the tournament unfolds, anticipation builds for the matchups that will highlight the skills and determination of these young athletes from South Dakota.