BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University volleyball team toppled University of Mary, 3-0 (25-13, 25-12, 25-16), Friday night in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play. Junior Hallie Mertz and senior Ashley East led the Beavers (2-9, 1-2 NSIC) with nine kills each in the victory over the Marauders (1-10, 0-3 NSIC).
 
The win snaps a seven-match losing streak and is the Beavers first win at home since Oct. 26, 2019.
 
Bemidji State earned a 25-13 set victory in set one after hitting .290 as a team and totaling 13 kills to just seven for the Marauders. BSU then earned a 25-12 victory in set two after hitting a match-high .308 in the set and totaled 11 kills. The Beavers then capped off the three-set victory with a 25-16 win in set three by hitting .250 in the set with 10 kills.
 
Following Mertz and East was sophomores Ashley Crowl and Lauren Sitter who each totaled five kills. East (9K-2E-14TA) and Rylie Bjerklie (4K-0E-8TA) paced the Beavers by hitting at a .500 clip while the team hit its highest efficiency of the season at .284.
 
On defense, Lauren Justesen led the team with 11 digs with Hally Holker (9) and Mertz (8) following. The Beavers also performed well at the net and tied a season-high with eight blocks including a career-high six from senior Rylee Pompa.
 
Bemidji State out-hit Mary .284 to -.033 for a season-high in hitting percentage with Hally Holker (13) and Emily Wade (11) setting the way.
 
The Beavers continue play at home tomorrow and hosts Minot State University at 5:00 p.m., in part of Homecoming festivities.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State volleyball program, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeaversVB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers and Volleyball Facebook) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversVB)
 
Nestled in Northern Minnesota's wooden region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, BSU sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association 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—