BISMARCK, N.D. – Despite holding a slight edge in shots, the (RV) Bemidji State University Women's Soccer team wasn't able to overcome two first half goals as the University of Mary claimed the 2-1 win in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play Friday afternoon at the MDU Resources Community Bowl.
Bemidji State (7-1-4, 5-1-2 NSIC) made a strong push over the final minutes to nearly tie the match. A rush into the box led to a yellow card on the Marauders goalkeeper in the 89th minute. Maria Stocke stepped up and buried her fourth goal of the season to cut the deficit in half. With just over a minute left, the Beavers continued with the pressure. Katrina Barthelt took a shot from outside the box that was saved. Then with the seconds ticking down, Maggie Cade let loose a deep shot that bounced and was barely saved by a sliding Molly Fischer in goal to preserve the 2-1 win.
UMary (3-6-3, 2-4-2 NSIC) had the first shot on goal in the fifth minute that was saved by Edie Frantzen. Cade recorded the first shot for the Beavers in the 12th minute. After that chance by Cade, there were no shots until Eli Olsen scored for the Marauders in the 32nd minute. BSU wasn't able to get a shot over the next nine-plus minutes when the Marauders increased the lead to 2-0 with a goal by Rio Spruenken in the 41st minute.
The Beavers had one last chance before the half on a shot by Madeline Davey that was saved. Stocke, Halle Peterson, Lauren Hodny and Emma Huelsnitz all recorded shots in the second half but couldn't score. That led to the final push with the Beavers nearly tying it in the closing minutes.
Bemidji State held the 10-6 edge in overall shots, while both teams landed six on target. The Beavers generated seven corner kicks to four for the Marauders. There were 21 combined fouls, with 11 whistled on BSU. Each team was also called for two yellow cards.
The loss snaps an 11-game unbeaten streak to start the season. Bemidji State will remain in North Dakota to face Minot State on Sunday afternoon starting at 1 p.m.
For more information on the Bemidji State soccer program, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaverSoccer), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversSoccer)
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University 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).
