BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University Beaver Volleyball marked a 3-1 loss to Minnesota State University Mankato Friday evening in Bemidji. The Beavers claimed the first set but were unable to take the following three.
 
BSU took the first set by a close margin of 25-21 with five kills from Rylie Bjerklie and three from Ashley Crowl, plus four service aces. Bjerklie earned an additional two points with a pair of solo blocks. Bjerklie was explosive behind the ball in the first set, hitting five of six for .833 percent. Emily Wade added 11 assists behind her name for a setting percentage of .478.
 
The Beavers struggled in the second, gaining just 16 points to the Mavericks' set-winning 25. Lauren Sitter found a spark and tied Crowl in set two with four kills each. Wade also earned 12 more assists. In the third set, BSU fell 25-18 with 3.5 points from Bjerklie, three from Zayda Priebe and 2.5 from Sitter. Plays at the net became a huge point earning spot for the Beavers, marking one solo block and six assisted, four of which involved Bjerklie. The fourth and final set was a low point for BSU, falling 25-12 with nine kills and one service ace. 
 
In the end, Bjerklie and Crowl led the attack for BSU with 14 and 10 kills, respectively. Emily Wade and Jada Wlodarczyk each tabbed two service aces to aid in the Beavers' efforts. Six blocks, three solo and three assisted, plus 14 kills led Bjerklie to lead BSU with 18.5 points. Crowl was just behind her with 11.5. 
 
Bemidji State plays its final match of the season Saturday at 4 p.m. in the BSU Gymnasium against No. 8 Concordia University, St. Paul. The Beavers will celebrate their seniors prior to the match. The match is set to be streamed on NSIC Network and tickets are available in person or on Hometown Ticketing. 
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Volleyball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversVB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversVB).
 
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 Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).