BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University softball team defeated the University of Minnesota Duluth and Central Lakes College in an exhibition on the opening day of the Dragon-Beaver Battle in St. Paul, Minn.

The Beavers defeated the Bulldogs 1-0 for the opening game as junior Jessica Yost set a career-high with 16 strikeouts. Senior Lyndsey Peterson scored the game-winning run in the fourth inning while newcomer Brooke Phillips drove in Peterson.

Both pitchers were dominant in the game as each team could only muster one hit in the game. Peterson was the only Beaver with a hit and finished by going 1-for-2 at the plate.

Yost earns her first win of the season by going all seven innings and allowing just one hit in the fifth inning.

Bemidji State then responded with an 8-0 shutout of National Junior College Athletic Association member Central Lakes College in five innings. Alexandra Ripka had a homerun, double and four RBI to lead the Beavers. Three members of the BSU pitching staff combined for a no-hitter as Jenna Massingill, Kelsey McAllister, and Rochelle Koshalek all saw time in the circle.

The Beavers will continue the Dragon-Beaver Battle tomorrow and will face Minnesota State University, Moorhead at 8 a.m. and then Minnesota Duluth again at 10 a.m.

For more information on the Bemidji State University softball program, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@Beaver_Softball or @BSUBeavers) or like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers).

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).

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