MINOT, N.D. – The Bemidji State University softball team opened its 2020 season by going 1-2 at the Minot State University Invite, Feb. 8-9. The Beavers (1-2, 0-0 NSIC) opened the season by falling to Minot State University and University of Minnesota Crookston Saturday night but rebounded with a 4-1 win over Black Hills State University, Sunday.

The Beavers began their season by falling to Minot State 12-6 in game one of the invite and followed with a 9-0 loss in six innings to Minnesota Crookston.

BSU then responded by defeating Black Hills State 4-1 behind the arm of newcomer Kyla Damerow who allowed just five hits and one earned run in her first collegiate start. Bemidji State was led by senior Olivia Tucker at the plate who batted 3-for-3 with two runs scored while Emmarie Yeager led the team with two RBI.

Over the weekend, Bemidji State was led by sophomore Elaina Christiansen who totaled four hits in 10 at bats and recorded one home run and one RBI. Sami Dullum and Tucker each followed with three hits while Yeager paced the team with four RBI and batted .286.

Damerow earned the only win in the circle for the Beavers and is 1-0 on the season while Stephi Dullum posted an 0-1 record with a 1.75 earned run average in four innings of work. Tucker paced the team with eight innings pitched and posted an 0-1 record but recorded a save in Sunday’s 4-1 victory.

Bemidji State travels to St. Cloud, Minn., next weekend to compete at the Husky Invite and will play four games at the Husky Dome Feb. 14-15.

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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