STURGIS, SD – Jayna Johnston was dominant in the circle as the starting pitcher rang up 14 strikeouts, powering the Sturgis Scoopers to a 4-0 victory over Spearfish on Tuesday at Fort Meade, kicking off their 2026 spring season with a victory. 

The Scoopers got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Tylee Bestgen doubled to center field, and Kierra Killinger grounded out, each scoring one run.

Sturgis added insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, as Killinger doubled to right field, scoring Carsyn Anderson. Killinger then crossed home plate on a Spartan error to make the score 4-0. Spearfish couldn’t manage a run in the final two innings as Johnston wrapped up the complete game shutout win, holding the Spartans to six hits on 88 pitches. 

Sturgis (1-0) pounded out 13 hits and were led by Tylee Bestgen, who went 4-for-4 at the plate, cracking two doubles and two singles. Carsyn Anderson added three hits. The Scoopers played stellar defense, finishing the game with zero fielding errors. 

Emme Johnson took the loss for Spearfish, surrendering 13 hits and four runs over five and one-third innings, striking out one and walking three. Johnson, Liv Johnson, Abby Feyereisen, Vanorah Carlson, Olivia Lyons, and Everly Whitlock each collected one hit for Spearfish (0-1). 

Sturgis is in action next on April 18, as they take on the Tea Area Titans in Spearfish.