Mitchell, SD – The Sioux Falls Flyers, defending champions of the South Dakota Amateur Hockey Association (SDAHA) varsity girls tournament, will face the Brookings Rangers in a highly anticipated championship showdown on Saturday, March 7th. The game, set for 7 p.m., will be a rematch of last year’s thrilling final, which the Flyers won 3-2 in a five-overtime contest. This year’s tournament has already delivered exciting semi-final matchups, setting the stage for a compelling conclusion.
The Flyers advanced to the championship game after a dominant 7-0 victory over Watertown on Friday, March 6th. Brookings secured their spot with a 7-1 win against Oahe in the other semi-final. The intensity of the competition was evident throughout the day, with several teams battling for a chance at the title. The SDAHA tournament, a cornerstone of youth hockey in the state, continues to showcase the talent and dedication of young athletes across South Dakota.
Sioux Falls’ offensive prowess was on full display against Watertown, led by a hat trick from Halle Watson and two goals from Aniston Murray. Isabella Rigolizzo and Briana Marvici likewise contributed to the Flyers’ scoring effort, supported by strong playmaking from Rebecca Harris, who recorded three assists. Goalie Moriah Lincoln secured the shutout with six saves. Watertown’s goaltenders, Kira Reppe and Aleyna Hutson, faced a barrage of shots, combining for 36 saves.
Brookings’ victory over Oahe was fueled by a strong performance from Kinzey Grendler, who scored three goals and added an assist. Miyah Foerster contributed two goals and an assist, although Sawyer Triplett added a goal and two assists. Rorii Quam was solid in net for the Rangers, stopping 17 shots. Taylah Allerdings made 19 saves for Oahe in the losing effort.
Earlier in the day, the consolation semifinals saw Rushmore defeat Mitchell 3-1 and Aberdeen blank Sioux Center, IA 3-0. Avery Eggers led Rushmore with two goals and an assist, while Leah Kranzler, Rachel Siefken, and Kaylee Dixon scored for Aberdeen in their shutout victory. These games determined the teams that will compete for third place and the consolation championship on Saturday.
The schedule for Saturday, March 7th, includes the consolation championship between Aberdeen and Rushmore at 1 p.m., followed by the third-place game between Oahe and Watertown at 4 p.m. The main event, the SDAHA varsity girls championship game between the Sioux Falls Flyers and the Brookings Rangers, will conclude the tournament at 7 p.m.
The Flyers and Rangers have established themselves as dominant forces in South Dakota girls’ hockey. The Sioux Falls Flyers, the oldest and largest USA Hockey sanctioned youth program in the area, boast a long history of success. The South Dakota Amateur Hockey Association continues to foster the growth of the sport throughout the state, culminating in events like this championship tournament.
Beyond the championship game, the SDAHA also announced the selection of the 2025-26 all-state team. First-team honorees include forwards Honner, Peska, and Nelson, defensemen Marvici and Harris of Sioux Falls, and Quam, a goalie, of Brookings. Second-team selections include forwards Grendler (Brookings), MaKenna Tronnes (Mitchell), and Emma Schleusner (Watertown); defensemen Kallee Behm of Oahe and Harper Hendricks of Watertown; and goalie Reppe of Watertown.
As the tournament draws to a close, all eyes will be on the championship matchup between the Flyers and the Rangers. With a history of close games and talented players on both sides, the final promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 SDAHA varsity girls hockey season. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the landscape of South Dakota girls’ hockey for the year to approach.
Stay tuned for updates and results from the SDAHA tournament. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
