Box Score BISMARCK, N.D. (Activity Center) - The Bemidji State University volleyball team was defeated by the University of Mary (N.D.) 3-2 (34-32, 27-30, 30-26, 23-30, 15-13) to extend its season long losing streak to three games. The loss drops the Beavers to 2-4 on the season and 0-2 in league play.

Nicole Olson (Fr., MB, Baudette, Minn.) led all players with a career-high 21 kills hitting at a rate of .526 (21k-1e, 38at). Olson also recorded five digs and five blocks in the match. With the 21 kills Olson extended her double-digit kill streak to six matches. Fellow newcomer Heather Sampson (Fr., OH, Brooklyn Park, Minn.) chipped in with 16 kills hitting at a rate of .270 (16k-2e-52at) for the match.

Senior outside hitter Brittney Burns (Sr., OH, LeSueur, Minn.) posted her third consecutive double-double as she collected 15 kills and 18 digs. Burns also posted one solo block and two services aces in the loss. Burns currently sits with 28 career double-doubles. Senior setter Alicia Beaman (Sr., S., St. Paul Park, Minn.) posted her first double-double of the season as she garnered 33 set assists and 23 digs in the match. Beaman currently sits with 31 double-doubles in her career.

Just as BSU has proven over and over again this fall, its defense will force opposing teams to work to find the floor with any attempt. As a team, the Beavers recorded 124 digs on the afternoon which is fourth most in any match. Sophomore Brie Groskreutz (So., OH, Reedsburg, Wis.) played a major role as she came up just one dig shy of her career-high that she posted last night with 30 digs while Beaman added 23 and Chelsea Giesler (Jr., LB, Grand Rapids, Minn.) tallied 20.

Anna Leafblad (So., MB, Blaine, Minn.) and Olson recorded match-best for blocks with five apiece, career highs for both players. The Beavers posted 13.5 blocks in the match while the Marauders had 15 blocks.

Allison Kunde (So., S, Burnsville, Minn.) 25 of the Beavers 59 assists in the match while collecting nine digs.

The Beavers have yet to bet the Marauders, since U-Mary has joined the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The University of Mary currently holds a five match win streak over the Beavers. The Beavers have yet to beat the Marauders at the Activity Center in three matches.

The University of Mary was led by Ashley Maas who recorded the Marauders lone double-double of the evening as she recorded 17 kills and 17 digs in the win for the Marauders. Tatiani Santos led U-Mary offensively with 22 kills hitting at a rate of .396 (22k-3e-48at). With the win the Marauders improve to 5-2 overall and 2-0 in the NSIC.

BSU, 2-4 overall and 0-2 in NSIC play, will next be in action on Friday, Sept. 14 as the Beavers will host the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears from the BSU Gymnasium for its 2007 home opener at 7:00 p.m. The Beavers will wrap up the weekend with a match against MSU Moorhead on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 3:00 p.m. from the BSU Gymnasium.

--beavers--