BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University Women's Basketball fell to No. 23 Southwest Minnesota State University, 77-51, on Friday in Bemidji. 
 
In the first quarter, BSU began with Tieryn Plasch scoring a three-pointer assisted by Ashlynne Guenther, establishing an early lead. Ella Giorgi contributed significantly with a block and a successful jumper at 5:30, while Sydney White added a layup to keep BSU ahead. Despite maintaining a tight contest, the Beavers ended the quarter trailing the Mustangs 14-11, as the opponents capitalized on free throws and a late layup by Kenzie Jones.
 
In the second quarter, Bemidji State started strong with Tieryn Plasch hitting a three-pointer at the 9:08 mark, assisted by Aubrey Heyer. Erin Barrette contributed with a free throw shortly after, but turnovers affected momentum. Ashlynne Guenther made key baskets, including a layup at 2:31, helping to keep the game competitive. The quarter closed with BSU scoring 18 points, while SMSU edged ahead with a 20-point effort, concluding the quarter at 34-29.
 
In the third quarter, the team displayed a mix of strong moments and challenges, with Tieryn Plasch hitting two crucial 3-pointers to boost the score, the second with an assist from Erin Barrette. However, turnovers were a challenge, with the Beavers committing nine turnovers, which the Mustangs capitalized on, scoring 11 points off turnovers. Despite efforts from players like Rachel Koenig, who contributed defensively with a block and a defensive rebound, the quarter ended with BSU trailing 55-40.
 
During the fourth quarter, Rachel Koenig started with a successful jumper at 9:35, narrowing the score to 55-42. Ashlynne Guenther followed with a jumper at 8:20, but the Mustangs responded with a series of key plays, including a 3-pointer by Maddie Thorfinnson at 7:46. Despite the Beavers' effort, including a 3-pointer by Tieryn Plasch at 2:10 and a layup by Ella Giorgi at 1:30, the team faced challenges in matching the Mustangs' scoring run, resulting in a 22-11 quarter in favor of the visitors.
 
Erin Barrette led the team with two steals. Ashlynne Guenther contributed significantly on both ends of the court, scoring 10 points and recording two blocks. Tieryn Plasch was a key offensive player, scoring 15 points, all from three-pointers, hitting five out of nine attempts. Ella Giorgi made a defensive impact with two blocks and added eight points to the scoreboard. 
 
Bemidji State holds an overall record of four wins and thirteen losses, with a conference record of two wins and eleven losses in the NSIC. Southwest Minnesota State has an overall record of seventeen wins and two losses and stands at eleven wins and two losses in the NSIC.
 
The Beavers will face the University of Sioux Falls tomorrow evening in Bemidji. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with streaming on the NSIC Network and listening on the Beaver Radio 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).