BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University Women's Basketball fell to the University of Mary 69-51 on Thursday at the BSU Gymnasium.
 
Early turnovers allowed the Marauders to take initial control, with Erin Barrette scoring the first points for Bemidji State at 7:32 with a layup. Ashlynne Guenther contributed significantly, with a key defensive block and a layup at 1:10, helping Bemidji State close the gap. The home team pulled ahead briefly with a free throw by Ella Giorgi at 0:20, before ending the quarter narrowly trailing the Marauders, 13-12.
 
In the second quarter, Bemidji State faced a tough contest against UMary, resulting in a 13-18 score for the quarter. Early on, Sage Ganyo scored a fast-break layup at 8:15, followed by a layup from Aubrey Heyer at 5:45, putting Bemidji State briefly ahead. Ella Giorgi made a notable contribution with a 3-pointer at 2:30, assisted by Tieryn Plasch, bringing the score to a tie at 19-19. Despite a late layup from Rachel Koenig at 0:40, UMary managed to maintain a slight edge by the quarter's end.
 
In the third quarter, Bemidji State made an effort to close the gap, highlighted by Rachel Koenig's early layup and free throw, bringing the score to 31-28. Erin Barrette and Ella Giorgi contributed to the team with a defensive rebound and a 3-pointer, respectively. Despite their efforts, Bemidji State was outscored 19-8 in the quarter, resulting in a 50-33 score by the end of the third quarter.
 
In the fourth quarter, Bemidji State started with a layup by Sydney White, assisted by Ella Giorgi. Ashlynne Guenther contributed with a steal early on and later added a layup at 3:00 to bring the score to 60-44. Tieryn Plasch made a significant impact with a 3-pointer and an assist to Aubrey Heyer, keeping the team competitive throughout. Despite a strong finish with Sage Ganyo scoring a jumper and a layup in quick succession, Bemidji State fell short with a score of 67-51 in the quarter.
 
Ashlynne Guenther emerged as a defensive anchor, recording three blocks in the game. Sage Ganyo led the team in scoring with seven points, shooting an efficient 75% from the field. Aubrey Heyer also contributed seven points, hitting one 3-pointer in her effort. Ella Giorgi was a key offensive player as well, scoring nine points, including two 3-pointers, and adding two assists. 
 
Bemidji State has an overall record of five wins and fifteen losses, with a conference record of three wins and thirteen losses in the NSIC. In contrast, the Marauders hold an overall record of eleven wins and eight losses and stand at eight wins and seven losses in the NSIC conference.
 
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).