BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University Women's Basketball fell to Wayne State College, 71-64, on Friday in Bemidji. This marked Bemidji State's first multiple-overtime game since February 22, 2020, against the University of Minnesota Duluth, spanning a stretch of 1,777 days.
 
In the first quarter, Bemidji State opened the scoring with two successful free throws by Rachel Koenig at 8:43. Aubrey Heyer added to the team's points with a jumper at 6:47, bringing the score to 4-3. Erin Barrette contributed significantly, scoring two layups in the paint, including one at 2:22, which tied the game at 9-9. Despite these efforts, the quarter ended with Bemidji State trailing Wayne State by a score of 11-9.
 
In the second quarter, Bemidji St. took an early lead with a 3-pointer by Janette Hanni at the 9:30 mark. Rachel Koenig contributed with a crucial tip-in at 7:05, followed by another layup by Hanni, pushing the score to 16-13. Despite Bemidji St.'s strong defensive plays, including two blocks by Ella Giorgi and Tieryn Plasch, Wayne State managed to edge ahead with a late surge, ending the quarter with a slight lead of 15-14. Erin Barrette kept Bemidji St. competitive with two late baskets, maintaining pressure on the visitors.
 
In the third quarter, Bemidji State opened with a tip-in from Aubrey Heyer, which briefly gave them the lead. Despite a back-and-forth sequence of turnovers and missed shots, Rachel Koenig and Erin Barrette contributed critical free throws and a fast-break layup, respectively, which helped regain and maintain a narrow advantage at various points. Ashlynne Guenther also added to the scoring with consecutive free throws at the 1:34 mark, putting Bemidji State ahead 34-33. However, Wayne State edged out the quarter with a late scoring surge, ultimately ending the quarter with a 40-36 lead, despite Janette Hanni's efforts to keep the score close with key layups.
 
In the fourth quarter, Bemidji State displayed resilience, starting with Ashlynne Guenther's jumper at 9:15 to put the team within two points of Wayne State. Erin Barrette's performance was notable, scoring a critical 3-pointer at 7:30 and later contributing a steal and fast-break layup at 0:30, narrowing the gap to one point. Tieryn Plasch was instrumental in the final minute, securing three consecutive free throws to tie the game at 59-59 with seconds remaining. Despite Wayne State's efforts, Bemidji State outscored them 23-19 in the quarter, showcasing a strong finish.
 
In the fifth quarter, Bemidji St. and WSC each scored two points, resulting in a 61-61 tie at the end of the quarter. Aubrey Heyer, who led the team with a career-high 12 rebounds, scored the only basket for Bemidji St. with a layup at 3:12, assisted by Tieryn Plasch, who also recorded a steal earlier. Rachel Koenig and Janette Hanni each attempted multiple shots but were unable to convert, while Bemidji St.'s defense forced WSC into six turnovers during the quarter.
 
Bemidji St. faced a challenging sixth quarter, starting with Meg Rietz of Wayne State scoring a jumper and then a layup within the paint, contributing to an early visitor lead. Bemidji St.'s Ella Giorgi provided some momentum with a layup and a subsequent free throw, bringing the score to 67-64. Despite defensive rebounds by Erin Barrette and a block by Giorgi, Wayne State pulled ahead with free throws by Maya Fitzpatrick, concluding the quarter with a 71-64 lead over Bemidji St.
 
Erin Barrette led Bemidji State with a standout performance, tying her season high for points with 19, on 7-for-14 shooting and contributing four steals. Janette Hanni also made a significant impact, scoring 13 points and leading the team with six baskets made. Aubrey Heyer excelled on the boards, securing 12 rebounds to lead the team. Ella Giorgi was a defensive presence with three blocks. Tieryn Plasch added eight points and was notable for her three steals.
 
Bemidji State holds an overall record of three wins and eight losses, with a conference record of one win and six losses in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The Wildcats have an overall record of seven wins and five losses, while they are four and four in NSIC play.
 
After a recent loss, the Bemidji State basketball team will face Augustana University in their next game. The matchup is scheduled for January 4, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. The game will be available on the Beaver Radio Network and for streaming on the 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).