BEMIDJI, Minn. - The Bemidji State University softball team manufactured two runs in bonus time to win the first game of a doubleheader, 4-3, before being dropped 7-1 in the night cap against Wisconsin-Superior.

The Beavers looked to be in control of the first game of the afternoon twin bill as they took a 2-0 lead into the seventh inning. BSU scored both of its runs in the first two innings.

Senior MerriAnne Werder (Browerville, Minn.) lead the game off with a double roped over the left fielder’s head. Katie Gardas (Sr.; Arden Hills, Minn.) moved Werder to third as she reached on an error. Freshman Jamie Docken, who picked up hits in both games earlier this week against Minnesota-Crookston, continued her hot streak with an RBI single, scoring Werder.

The Beavers brought in one more run in the second inning. Brenda Fritz (Jr.; McIntosh, Minn.) singled to start off the inning and then was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Neena Mathers (So.; Brooklyn Park, Minn.) before moving around to score on consecutive wild pitches.

Meanwhile, Andrea Schue stifled the Yellowjacket offense giving up just two hits through the first six innings. But, in the seventh the UWS bats awakened as they pounded out three hits to plate two runs and tie the score at 2-2.

The Beavers were unable to answer and the game moved to extra innings. Both teams worked themselves out of jams defensively in the eighth inning.

As the ninth inning started, an NCAA softball rule came into effect placing a runner on second for each team to start the inning. The Yellowjackets quickly took advantage of the runner in scoring position and plated a run in the top half of the inning.

Bemidji State’s offense, this time, came calling. Down one, but with the runner on second, Heather Kaskinen (Fr.; Annandale, Minn.) singled down the right field line, scoring Mandy Bambrough (Jr.; Toronto, Ontario) who had been placed on second. The next batter, Fritz, reached on a fiedler’s choice, putting Kaskinen out at second. With two out, Mathers laced a single to left and Fritz used her speed to take an extra base, sliding into third safely. Mathers took second on the throw. With the game tied at 3-3, Michelle Taylor, who was 0-for-3 coming into the at bat slapped a single in the hole to bring Fritz plateward for the game-winning run.

Schue went all nine innings for the Beavers, turning in an outstanding complete-game gem. She gave up just three runs (two earned) on seven hits, and struck out a season-high eight batters, while walking none.

Kaskinen, Docken, and Werder lead the offensive attack in the game each picking up two hits.

Game two proved to be a completely different ball game for the Beavers. Yellowjacket pitcher Sara Fogel, helped by seven runs of support from her teammate shutdown the Beaver attack for the final six innings.

BSU, after giving up three to UWS in the top half of the first, plated their only run of the game in the home half of the inning. Another RBI single by Docken scored Werder for the Beavers only tally.

The Yellowjacket offense pounded out ten hits on Beaver pitcher Alaina Ryberg, which included scoring six runs in the first three innings before Ryberg settled in to give up just one more the rest of the way.

Despite turning a double play and catcher Missy Schleicher throwing out two runners trying to steal the Beavers were unable to hold Wisconsin-Superior down ending up with a 7-1 loss. Ryberg took the loss for the Beavers pitching all seven innings.

--bsu--