ABERDEEN, S.D. — No. 23 Northern State University (13-4, 5-4 NSIC) edged Bemidji State University (5-12, 2-7 NSIC) in a four-set match at Wachs Arena, winning 28-26, 25-18, 17-25, 25-23, in a tense Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference showdown.
 
Bemidji State opened the first set with a strong start, establishing early leads through key plays by Lily Riese and Grace Hoffard, with assists from Madison Tripp. The team managed to pull ahead 5-3 with a service ace and an attack error by Northern State, showing initial momentum. However, the Wolves responded, closing the gap and eventually taking the lead with a series of kills and service aces, making the score 12-7 in their favor. The Beavers fought back, narrowing the deficit with critical contributions from Nevaeh Carlson and Ava Athman. The team managed to tie the score at 21-21, showcasing resilience through a balanced attack and capitalizing on Northern State's errors. Despite Bemidji State taking a late 24-23 lead with a kill from Hoffard, Northern State edged out the set 28-26, concluding with a service ace and a kill by Natalia Szybinska.
 
In the second set, Bemidji State began with a balanced effort, equalizing the score at 2-2 with a kill from Isabella Vander Velden assisted by Tripp. The set saw Riese and Athman contributing crucial points with well-timed kills, keeping the Beavers competitive. However, Northern State capitalized on a series of effective plays and service errors from Bemidji State, extending their lead midway through the set. Despite a strong service ace from Kylie Struble and consistent assists from Katrina Thompson, Bemidji State faced challenges as Northern State's offensive execution, particularly from Cara Cyr and Abby Brooks, widened the gap. The Beavers continued to fight back with persistent efforts from their players, but Northern State ultimately closed the set at 25-18.
 
Bemidji State opened the third set with a significant momentum shift led by Riese, who recorded two early kills, leveling the score at 2-2. Tripp stepped up with a strong service game, including two aces, sparking a 9-0 run that pushed the Beavers ahead to 10-2, establishing a firm lead over Northern State. Throughout the set, Bemidji State maintained control with contributions from Athman and Karley Dunham, who each added key kills. The defensive efforts of Athman and Dunham were critical in blocking attacks and extending the lead to 20-11. Despite a brief rally from Northern State, Bemidji State closed the set with Riese securing the final point on an attack error by Brooks, sealing a 25-17 victory for the visitors.
 
Bemidji State began the fourth set with a strong offensive start, highlighted by Hoffard's kill from Jada Wlodarczyk's serve. The team established momentum early, moving to a 6-1 lead with key contributions from Riese and effective blocking by Dunham and Tripp. Despite a brief rally from Northern State, Athman's kill, assisted by Tripp, kept Bemidji State ahead 10-9. As the set progressed, Bemidji State maintained pressure with consistent plays from Athman and Riese, pushing the score to 15-17. However, Northern State countered with a series of successful attacks, including a service ace that tied the game at 8-8. The Beavers fought back, closing the gap to 20-22 with kills from Carlson and Hoffard. The closing rally saw Bemidji State narrowing the margin to 23-24, thanks to Riese's persistent scoring. Despite the late push, the Wolves secured the set with a final kill from Linnea Nesheim, concluding the set at 25-23 in favor of Northern State.
 
Riese led the Bemidji State offense with 26 kills, hitting at a .512 percentage, contributing significantly to the team's scoring efforts. Athman added 16 kills and recorded five total blocks, amassing a team-high 19.5 points. Tripp facilitated the attack with 29 assists and served four aces, playing a crucial role in setting up plays. Struble anchored the defense with 17 digs, supporting the team's backcourt stability. Bemidji State holds a 5-12 overall record and is 2-7 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play. Northern State has a 13-4 overall record with a 5-4 mark in the NSIC.
 
Up next, Bemidji State volleyball travels to Moorhead, Minnesota, to face Minnesota State University Moorhead on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. They'll then return home on Saturday, Oct. 18 to host University of Minnesota Crookston for Block Out Cancer Day at 2 p.m. All NSIC matches are available 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).