BEMIDJI, Minn. (Sanford Center) -- The Bemidji State University women's basketball team fell to the University of Minnesota Duluth, 63-55, Saturday afternoon at Sanford Center. Sophomore Sierra Senske paced the Beavers (5-8, 1-8 NSIC) with 17 points while adding eight rebounds in the loss to the Bulldogs (4-8, 4-5 NSIC).
The Beavers kept pace with the Bulldogs despite facing a 12-point deficit in the second quarter. Turnovers plagued both teams as the game totaled 20 after the first two quarters. Junior Hanna Zerr scored eight of her 14 points in the first half to bring the Beavers within five points at halftime, 27-22.
Senske began her push to guide Bemidji State in the second half while making the squad’s first six second-half points. Her first two scores brought BSU within three points of UMD, the smallest margin until 4:36 left in the fourth quarter. Junior guard Aimee Pelzer sank a 3-pointer to bring the team within three points again, while Senske took advantage of a missed shot by the Bulldogs on the ensuing possession. She was sent to the free throw line after being fouled and made one of two attempts to bring BSU within one possession of the lead. The Bulldogs followed with a 5-0 run to create enough separation the rest of the game.
Bemidji State was led by Senske who was followed by Zerr with 14 points and Pelzer with 12. The Beavers shot 35 percent (21-60) in the game but couldn't keep up with the Bulldogs who shot 41 percent (23-55). Both teams tallied nine steals, while the Bulldogs won the battle for points off turnovers, 14-8.
The Beavers return to the Sanford Center tomorrow to finish the NSIC weekend. Bemidji State and St. Cloud State University will tip off at 1 p.m. while wrapping up alumni weekend.
Nestled in Northern Minnesota’s wooded region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
--bsu--
