BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Women's Soccer team officially kicks-off its 2024 campaign this weekend and hosts Missouri Western State University and Drury University at Chet Anderson Stadium, Friday-Sunday.
The Beavers open the season Friday, Sept. 6 against the Griffons from Missouri Western State at 4 p.m. BSU then returns to its home turf Sunday at Noon to battle the Panthers from Drury. The weekend's action will be non-conference but will hold significance in the NCAA Regional rankings.
Live stream and stats for each match are available,
here.
Fresh off a 2023 campaign that saw a second consecutive Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference tournament championship and third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, the Beavers were voted to finish third in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll with seniors
Maria Stocke and
Emma Huelsnitz tabbed as the program's Players to Watch.
The Beavers return seven of their 11 starters from last season including fifth-year seniors
Lauren Hodny and
Anna Breffle along with leading goal scorer junior
Katrina Barthelt who finished second in the NSIC With 26 points in 2023. The Beavers also return six of its top seven point scorers including its top two in Barthelt and Stocke.
Goalkeeping will be the Beavers top position in question after graduating 21 game starter
Edie Frantzen. Two of the Beavers three goalkeepers are new to the program while top returner sophomore
Ana Steadman started just two matches last season. However, both matches she started were in NCAA Tournament play. Head coach
Jim Stone added graduate
Sonia Alfieri and freshman
Rozlyn Buettner to solidify the Beavers goalkeeping group.
Each team opens its 2024 season this weekend at Chet Anderson Stadium. Drury was voted to finish third in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll and returns seven all-conference performers. Missouri Western State was voted to finish sixth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll and the two teams played to a 1-1 draw last season in St. Joseph, Mo.
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).
--bsu--
