BISMARCK, N.D. – Bemidji State University Women's Basketball fell to the University of Mary Marauders, 62-50, on Saturday at the McDowell Activity Center in Bismarck, N.D., closing the 2024 portion of the team's schedule.
 
In the first quarter, Bemidji State started strong with Tieryn Plasch scoring the initial points on a fastbreak jumper at 8:35, giving the team an early lead. Aubrey Heyer contributed defensively with a block at 6:15, and Ashlynne Guenther was instrumental in both scoring and rebounding, adding a layup at 4:07 to extend the lead to 12-7. Despite a late turnover and a missed free throw, Erin Barrette's layup at 3:45 and Guenther's continued efforts, including tying her season high with two assists, kept Bemidji State competitive. However, UMary's Emily Jaenke hit a crucial 3-pointer with 1:00 left, giving the home team a slight edge at the end of the quarter, leading 16-14.
 
During the second quarter, Bemidji State faced challenges in maintaining possession, committing six turnovers. Despite the setbacks, Rachel Koenig contributed two points from the free-throw line at the 7:15 mark, reducing the deficit to 22-16. Sydney White added a layup at 1:45, but Bemidji State scored only eight points in the quarter, compared to the home team's 18. Tieryn Plasch hit a 3-pointer with 0:30 remaining, with an assist from White, bringing the score to 31-22.
 
The third quarter of the game between Bemidji State and UMary ended with both teams scoring 14 points each. Bemidji State's Tieryn Plasch initiated the quarter with a successful layup at the start, cutting the deficit to 10 points. Janette Hanni contributed significantly by scoring a jumper and two free throws at 6:34, bringing Bemidji State closer on the scoreboard. Ashlynne Guenther added two more free throws at 3:02, tightening the game further. Despite Rachel Koenig's efforts with a jumper and a layup, Bemidji State was unable to take the lead, and the quarter concluded with UMary maintaining a 12-point advantage.
 
In the fourth quarter, Bemidji State matched the Marauders with 14 points each, but it was not enough to close the gap. Ashlynne Guenther started the quarter strong for Bemidji State with a jumper in the paint at 10:00 and later contributed with a block, tying her season high. Rachel Koenig added to the score with a layup and a free throw, bringing Bemidji State to 43 points. Sydney White and Brooklyn Wood each made key contributions with a jumper and a fast-break layup, respectively, but the team struggled with missed opportunities and turnovers throughout the quarter. Despite a late surge that included successful free throws by Guenther, time ran out with the score at 62-50 in favor of the Marauders.
 
Rachel Koenig led Bemidji State with 11 points, shooting 4-for-10 from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line. Ashlynne Guenther contributed significantly with 10 points, going 4-for-5 at the line, and added four rebounds. Tieryn Plasch recorded eight points and was strong on the boards with six rebounds, though she also had eight turnovers. Erin Barrette was noteworthy for her defensive efforts, registering three steals.
 
Bemidji State holds an overall record of three wins and seven losses, with a conference record of one win and five losses in the NSIC. The Marauders have achieved seven wins and three losses overall, with four wins and two losses in NSIC play.
 
Following today's loss, Bemidji State will open 2025 against Wayne State College and Augustana University at home. The matchups are scheduled for Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m. and Jan. 4 at 3:30 p.m. in the BSU Gymnasium, respectively.
For more information on the Bemidji State women's basketball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversWBB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversWBB).
 
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).