BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University Women's Basketball fell to the University of Sioux Falls, 72-54, in a basketball game in Bemidji on Saturday.
 
Bemidji State scored 13 points in the first quarter, with significant contributions from Ashlynne Guenther and Brooklyn Wood. Rachel Koenig put the home team on the board early with a layup at 8:15, narrowing the gap to 4-2. Later in the quarter, Tieryn Plasch added a layup at 1:01, and Wood hit a 3-pointer at 0:18, assisted by Aubrey Heyer, to bring the score to 22-13 before USF closed the quarter with a layup. Sioux Falls led the quarter with 24 points, taking advantage of scoring in the paint and capitalizing on turnovers.
 
In the second quarter, Bemidji State's Rachel Koenig contributed defensively with a block early on and later added four points with a layup at 9:00 and a jumper at 1:30. Erin Barrette also scored with a layup, and Tieryn Plasch made a 3-pointer with an assist from Ella Giorgi at 4:00. However, Bemidji State faced challenges with turnovers and fouls, including two turnovers by Ashlynne Guenther and a team turnover just before the quarter ended. Despite these efforts, Sioux Falls maintained a steady lead, closing the quarter with a 21-9 scoring advantage.
 
In the third quarter, Bemidji State began with Rachel Koenig's jumper at 9:00, showing a quick response to Sioux Falls' initial score. Erin Barrette added a 3-pointer to keep the momentum going at 7:32. Despite some defensive highlights, including blocks by Tieryn Plasch and Aubrey Heyer, Sioux Falls managed a slight edge, outscoring Bemidji State 19-14 in the quarter. Ashlynne Guenther contributed with a crucial 3-pointer at 1:09, assisted by Brooklyn Wood, to narrow the scoring gap before the quarter ended.
 
In the fourth quarter, Bemidji State outscored USF 18-8. Aubrey Heyer initiated a defensive streak with a steal, followed by a successful layup from Brooke Theis at 7:30. Erin Barrette made a notable impact with a steal and layup at 5:45, contributing to a scoring run. Bemidji State controlled turnovers and executed crucial steals, including Erin Barrette's performance, which led to several scoring opportunities, ultimately solidifying a strong finish in the final quarter.
 
The Bemidji State basketball team features several standout players based on their recent performance. Erin Barrette made a significant impact with 4 steals in her game. Rachel Koenig led the team in scoring with 10 points, making 5 of her 9 field goal attempts. Tieryn Plasch contributed 8 points and led the team with 4 assists, showcasing her playmaking abilities. Alayna Suprenand added 6 points, hitting 2 3-pointers, and also recorded a block. 
 
Bemidji State holds an overall record of four wins and 14 losses, with a conference record of two wins and 12 losses in the NSIC. The Cougars have an overall record of 12 wins and nine losses, posting an eight and six record within the NSIC conference.
 
The Beavers will head to St. Cloud State University on Tuesday before returning home Thursday to host the University of Mary. Both games are set for 7:30 p.m. and will be available on the Beaver Radio Network and NSIC Network. 
 
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).