JOPLIN, Mo. - The Bemidji State University volleyball team posted a hitting percentage over .200 for the first time in more than two weeks improving their offensive attack to .293 Friday in Joplin, Mo. but it would not be enough as Missouri Southern hit .335 to defeat the Beavers 3-1 (30-24, 24-30, 30-20, 30-25). Senior Kelly Piper (Eagan, Minn.) led the Beavers collecting her team-high fifth double-double of 2004 with 14 kills and 13 digs.

BSU's offensive attack was spurred by a trio of hitters. Senior Heather Haugen (Lanseboro, Minn.) paced the team with a personal season-high 21 kills on 53 attempts (.264) while freshman Brittney Burns (Henderson, Minn.) and Piper collected 16 and 14 kills respectively. The Beavers' defense also saw three players total 10 or more digs. Senior defensive specialist Kristine Engman topped the team with 21 digs while Piper added 13 with freshman Alicia Beaman (St. Paul Park, Minn.) digging 12 to round out BSU's top three. The team's lone junior, Christa Anderson (Siren, Wis.), led the Beavers' blocking attack for the third consecutive match posting five Friday.

Five Missouri Southern players posted double-digit kills totals with Jackie Gallagher leading the way with 19. Amy Barnicle recorded 20 digs to top the team.

The loss drops Bemidji State's overall record to 6-15 while the team is 2-6 in NSIC play. The team will be back in action Saturday when it travels to Bolivar, Mo. to battle Southwest Baptist in a 10:00 a.m. tilt.