BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University junior
Katrina Barthelt and freshman
Grace Kittel each scored in the second half to hold-off Southwest Minnesota State University and capture the team's third consecutive victory Sunday afternoon at Chet Anderson Stadium.
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The Beavers (6-3-0, 4-1-0 NSIC) earned a 2-1 victory over the Mustangs (1-7-1, 1-3-1 NSIC) thanks to the seventh goal of the season from Barthelt and the first career goal for Kittel.
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Wind was a factor for both teams in the game but with the wind at their backs for the second half, the Beavers' offense were able to find the back of the net twice to capture victory. After a scoreless first half, Barthelt got the scoring started in the 53
rd minute with her conference-leading seventh goal of the season off a free kick from freshman
Maggie Kramer who earned her first collegiate point on the play.
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The goal continued a seven-match point streak for Barthelt who has 15 points (7g-1a) over the last seven matches.
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Just 17 minutes later, Kittel received a beautiful touch pass from
Madisen Fritel just outside the Mustang's penalty area and fired the ball beating SMSU's goalkeeper to the right post to put the Beavers up by two.
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The Mustangs didn't quit and nine minutes later, Malorie Maderak made things interesting after she scored her first goal of the season in the 80
th minute.
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However, the Beavers defense stayed strong and held the Mustangs to just the one goal and claimed victory for the third straight match.
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Freshman
Rozlyn Buettner made her first collegiate start and played the first half making two saves while graduate
Sonia Alfieri started the second half and earned the victory after stopping six shots.
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Bemidji State totaled 19 shots in the game and produced 12 shots on goal while the Mustangs attempted 15 shots and nine on goal.
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BSU will now prepare to hit the road and travels to Northern State University and Minnesota State University, Moorhead for a pair of NSIC matches Oct. 11 and 13.
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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)
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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).
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