BEMIDJI, Minn. - Bemidji State opened its 2004 season today at the Gillett Recreation and Fitness Center with a non-conference match with Minnesota State, Mankato. The Beavers won the doubles point and four of six singles matches en-route to a 7-2 win.

BSU’s top duo of Thea Kinney and Holly Gilbertson dispatched MSU’s Jame Koerner and Liz Retzlaff, 8-6, while Sherry Kuzel and Nikki Baird dropped Marilyn Riniker and Lidsey Schmidt, 8-6. Additionally, Breck Rolfsrud and Angie Harrison secured a 8-1 triumph over Minnesota State’s Dianna Clawson and Jenna Bakke.

In singles play, the Beavers recorded victories at number one, two, four and five. Kinney moved to 1-0 on the season at number one with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Riniker. At number two, Rolfsrud blanked Retzlaff, 6-0, 6-0, while Nikki Baird netted a three-set victory at number four over Schmidt, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5. Angie Harrison capped a strong showing for BSU by knocking off Koerner, 6-2, 6-2.

The Beavers will be in action again Sunday afternoon when they face another non-conference opponent in St. Cloud State. The match begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Gillett Recreation and Fitness Center.

Minnesota State, Mankato (0-4, 0-1 NCC) at Bemidji State (1-0, 0-0 NSIC)
Bemidji, Minn.

Singles Results
1. Thea Kinney (BSU) def. Marilyn Riniker (MSM) 6-2, 6-3
2. Breck Rolfsrud (BSU) def. Liz Retzlaff (MSM) 6-0, 6-0
3. Jenna Bakke (MSM) def. Sherry Kuzel (BSU) 0-6, 2-6
4. Nikki Baird (BSU) def. Lindsey Schmidt (MSM) 6-3, 4-6, 7-5
5. Angie Harrison (BSU) Jamie Koerner (MSM) 6-2, 6-2
6. Emily Berg (BSU) Diana Clawson (MSM) 1-6, 6-7 (9-11)

Doubles Results
1. Gilbertson/Kinney (BSU) def. Koerner/Retzlaff (MSM) 8-6
2. Baird/Kuzel (BSU) def. Riniker/Schmidt (MSM) 8-6
3. Rolfsrud/Harrison (BSU) def. Clawson/Bakke (MSM) 8-1