MANKATO, Minn. — The Bemidji State University Women's Soccer team earned a crucial 2-2 draw on the road at No. 2 Minnesota State University, Mankato Sunday afternoon to earn a point in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference standings. The Beavers snapped a 10-game shutout streak by the Mavericks who had yet to allow a goal on the season entering Sunday's match against the Beavers. Senior Katrina Barthelt snapped the Mavericks' shutout streak in the third minute and then scored the equalizing goal in the 85^th minute to earn the draw for the Beavers.
 
The first half between Bemidji State and MSU began with early pressure from the home team, as the Mavericks earned two corner kicks within the first two minutes. However, Bemidji State countered and  struck first, taking a 1-0 lead with a goal from Katrina Barthelt in just the 3rd minute. This goal also marked the first time in 10 games that Minnesota State conceded a goal, snapping their impressive shutout streak. MSU responded in the 13th minute with an equalizer from Maille Mathis, assisted by Reese Hilsenbeck, tying the score at 1-1. Despite the Mavericks' offensive efforts, including a shot off the woodwork by Amara Smith in the 36th minute, the half ended with the score level.
 
MSU took the lead early in the second half with a goal by Amara Smith in the 79th minute, assisted by Avery Korsching. Bemidji State responded swiftly, equalizing the match in the 85th minute with a goal from Barthelt. This was Barthelt's second goal of the match and the second time this season she scored twice in a game. Bemidji State goalkeeper Sonia Alfieri played a critical role, making multiple saves, including crucial stops in the 51st and 66th minutes, to keep her team in contention. The match concluded with a 2-2 draw with each team earning a point in the NSIC standings.
 
Barthelt scored two goals, converting both of her shots on target and is now tied for second in the NSIC with seven goals on the season. Alfieri recorded eight saves, facing 22 shots in her 90 minutes of play and remains undefeated on the season owning a 3-0-2 record.
 
The Beavers now sit fifth in the conference standings with 15 points while the Mavericks remain atop the standings with 22 points. Just three points separates second and sixth-place in the standings ensuring a close finish as just seven matches remain in the regular season.
 
Bemidji State is 6-2-3 overall and 4-1-3 in conference play while MSU remains undefeated at 9-0-2 overall and 7-0-1 in conference competition.
 
The Beavers will next return home and host University of Minnesota Crookston Friday, Oct. 17 before hitting the road Sunday to face Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State soccer program, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaverSoccer), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversSoccer).
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association 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).
 
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