JAMESTOWN, N.D. — In a closely contested five-set match at Harold Newman Arena, Jamestown (7-8, 2-6 NSIC) edged Bemidji State University (5-11, 2-6 NSIC) with scores of 25-10, 22-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-9.
 
Despite the Beavers' strong second and third sets, the Jimmies' efficient attack, highlighted by their .308 hitting percentage, secured the victory.
 
The first set began with Jamestown asserting their presence early, capitalizing on the Beavers' initial service error to take a 2-0 lead. BSU responded with a kill by Lily Riese, assisted by Madison Tripp, momentarily closing the gap. However, the Jimmies maintained pressure through consistent scoring, including service aces and effective attacks, extending their lead. Despite strong efforts from the Beavers, including kills by Nevaeh Carlson and Riese, Jamestown's offensive execution continued to dominate. A sequence of errors from Bemidji allowed the Jimmies to further widen the margin, leading to a 17-6 advantage. The set concluded with Jamestown closing out the set 25-10, as BSU struggled to find rhythm against the Jimmies' persistent attack.
 
Bemidji gained momentum in the second set with a series of key plays. Riese and Ava Athman each secured kills to keep the visitors competitive early, leveling the score at 3-3. A series of errors by Jamestown allowed the Beavers to overtake the lead at 9-9, with Isabella Vander Velden contributing significantly with timely kills. As the set progressed, Bemidji capitalized on further errors by the Jimmies, extending their lead to 17-13. Strong plays by Grace Hoffard and Vander Velden helped maintain this advantage. Despite a brief challenge from Jamestown, the Beavers closed the set with a decisive kill by Vander Velden, securing a 25-22 win.
 
Bemidji State started the third set with an aggressive approach, as Jada Wlodarczyk capitalized on an opponent's setting error to put the team on the board first. Despite Jamestown's equalizing efforts, Bemidji maintained pressure, with Riese and Carlson securing kills to keep the scores tied early on. As the set progressed, Bemidji faced a challenge when the Jimmies surged ahead to a 12-8 lead, driven by a series of successful attacks and errors by the Beavers. However, Athman led a spirited comeback for Bemidji, recording multiple kills to not only close the gap but also help the Beavers regain control at 14-12. In a tense closing sequence, Bemidji held their nerve, with Hoffard and Athman delivering crucial kills to edge ahead. Bemidji eventually clinched the set 25-23, concluding their efforts with a final kill by Hoffard.
 
In the fourth set, Bemidji started strong, leveling the score at 2-2 after overcoming an initial two-point deficit with a service ace from Vander Velden. The momentum shifted multiple times, with the Beavers tying the score at 7-7 following an ace from Kylie Struble. Athman contributed crucial kills, consistently responding to the Jimmies' advances, bringing the score to 15-15. The Beavers continued to apply pressure, with Carlson and Vander Velden providing key kills that kept the match within reach at 19-19. However, the Jimmies capitalized on a series of attack errors from Bemidji, pulling ahead 22-19. The Beavers fought back with Riese's late kill narrowing the gap to 22-23. Despite their efforts, Jamestown closed the set with a 25-22 victory, aided by decisive kills from Caroline Puetz.
 
In the fifth set, Bemidji initiated play with an early lead as Riese recorded a kill, assisted by Tripp. Following a service error, the Beavers quickly regained composure with another kill from Riese, maintaining a tight contest at 2-1. Hoffard added to the momentum with a kill, setting the score at 3-2. Ava Boelter contributed significantly with back-to-back service aces, pushing the lead to 5-2. However, Jamestown responded with a series of points, capitalizing on Bemidji errors and strong offensive plays to level the score at 5-5. Despite Carlson's efforts to keep the Beavers close with timely kills, Jamestown managed to pull ahead. A series of plays by the Jimmies, including a service ace and multiple kills, extended their advantage to 13-8. Bemidji's Riese managed another kill to narrow the gap slightly, but Jamestown secured the set with a final kill by Kyleigh Schopp, ending the set 15-9 in favor of the Jimmies.
 
Struble led the defensive efforts for the Beavers with 18 digs across five sets, contributing significantly to maintaining the team's backline. Athman was active as well, recording 21 digs, the highest on the team. Riese was a key offensive player, finishing with 19 kills and accumulating 19.5 points, making her a prominent scoring threat. Meanwhile, Vander Velden added depth to the offense with 10 kills and contributed defensively with two blocks.
 
The next challenge for the Beavers will take them on the road to Aberdeen, S.D., where they will face No. 23 Northern State University. The match is set for Saturday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. and is available for streaming on the NSIC Network. 
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Volleyball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversVB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversVB).
 
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 Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).