BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University Women's Basketball defeated Augustana University, 63-50, on Saturday at home, breaking a four-game losing streak to the Vikings that began in 2020.
 
The Beavers took an early lead at the start of the first quarter, with Janette Hanni making two free throws in the opening minutes. Erin Barrette contributed significantly with a fast-break layup, and later, a layup assisted by Hanni increased the home team's score to 14. Aubrey Heyer added to the lead with a 3-pointer at the 1:30 mark, and Rachel Koenig closed the quarter with a layup, securing a 16-9 advantage over the Vikings.
 
In the second quarter, Bemidji State began with momentum, highlighted by Tieryn Plasch's 3-pointer at 9:13, assisted by Aubrey Heyer, pushing the score to 19-10. Ella Giorgi contributed with a layup at 7:51, maintaining a lead at 21-10. Despite a series of turnovers and fouls, Bemidji St. kept the game tied at 31-31 with two free throws by Ella Giorgi at 0:32, ending the quarter with a narrow lead of 32-31.
 
In the third quarter, BSU increased its lead over AU with a strong defensive and offensive performance. Rachel Koenig initiated the scoring with two successful free throws at the 9:34 mark and later added a layup, contributing significantly to the home team's momentum. Erin Barrette and Ella Giorgi each added layups to extend the lead, while Janette Hanni hit a crucial 3-pointer with an assist from Ashlynne Guenther, helping Bemidji State to a 15-2 scoring advantage in the quarter.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Beavers maintained their lead despite a close scoring quarter. Tieryn Plasch and Erin Barrette contributed early with consecutive layups, helping to extend the home team's advantage to 51-34 at the 7:20 mark. Ashlynne Guenther had a strong showing with a 3-pointer and successful free throws, contributing to a total of 11 points for Bemidji State in the quarter. The team managed to keep their composure with strategic defensive rebounds and timely shooting, closing the game with a 63-50 victory.
 
Tieryn Plasch led Bemidji State with 16 points, shooting 6-for-13 from the field, including four 3-pointers on 10 attempts. Her performance also included a career-high nine rebounds and three assists. Erin Barrette contributed defensively with two steals while scoring eight points and securing six rebounds. Ashlynne Guenther was efficient, scoring 10 points on 2-for-2 shooting, including one 3-pointer, and making 5-of-6 free throws. Janette Hanni also recorded two steals and added seven points, making all four of her free throws. Ella Giorgi provided a solid presence with 10 points, one block, and five rebounds.
 
Bemidji State holds an overall record of four wins and eight losses, with a conference record of two wins and six losses in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The Vikings have won two games and lost thirteen overall, remaining winless in the conference with a record of zero wins and nine losses.
 
BSU now heads Minnesota State University Mankato and Winona State University next weekend to kick off a four-game road stint. BSU versus MSU is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 10 and BSU versus WSU is set for 3:30 p.m. Jan. 11. All NSIC games are available on the NSIC Network and all Beaver games can be found 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).