BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Volleyball (7-13, 4-8 NSIC) edged the No. 18 University of Minnesota Duluth (16-3, 9-3 NSIC) in a five-set thriller at BSU Gymnasium, winning by scores of 17-25, 25-17, 26-24, 20-25, 15-13. This victory marked the first time the Beavers have defeated the Bulldogs since 1998, ending a 40-match drought. 
 
Bemidji State began the first set with a strong start, capitalizing on Lily Riese's early kills and a service ace by Anna Paquette to build a 9-5 lead. Madison Tripp's consistent playmaking facilitated multiple scoring opportunities, including a kill by Ava Athman, which helped maintain the lead against the Bulldogs. However, the Bulldogs responded with a series of scoring runs. Elyse Karrels and Mollie Rupp contributed key kills, helping the visiting team rally to a 13-12 advantage. Despite Bemidji State's efforts to regain momentum with a kill from Grace Hoffard, the Bulldogs extended their lead with a strong finish, closing the set at 25-17.
 
Bemidji State opened the second set with a strong offensive surge, highlighted by Riese's kill assisted by Tripp, which set the tone for an early lead. Tripp's serves were instrumental, as she contributed two service aces and facilitated multiple attack errors by the visitors, allowing Bemidji State to extend their lead to 9-1. Midway through the set, Bemidji State maintained momentum with Karley Dunham and Athman executing key kills, further pushing the score to 14-7 despite a brief response from the visitors. The set continued with Bemidji State capitalizing on opponent errors and timely kills by Nevaeh Carlson and Kylie Gustafson, maintaining a comfortable advantage. Bemidji State closed the set confidently with a final kill by Carlson, assisted by Tripp, concluding the second set at 25-17 and maintaining their lead in the match.
 
Bemidji State began the third set with a kill from Hoffard, assisted by Tripp, taking an early lead. The home team maintained momentum with another kill by Hoffard and an ace from Paquette, building a 7-4 advantage. However, the Bulldogs responded, tying the score at 7-7 and then moving ahead after a service ace and successive kills. Bemidji State fought back, leveling the score at 9-9 with a block by Carlson. The teams traded points back-and-forth, with Bemidji State gaining ground through strategic plays, including a crucial kill by Athman and a service ace from Dunham to tie at 18-18. The set remained tightly contested as Bemidji State capitalized on opponent errors and key kills by Riese and Hoffard to edge ahead. In the closing moments, Bemidji State took advantage of a ball handling error by the Bulldogs, followed by pivotal kills from Riese and Hoffard. With the score tied at 24-24, Bemidji State secured the set 26-24 with another kill from Riese and an attack error by the Bulldogs' Xada Johnson, sealing a narrow win.
 
The fourth set began with Bemidji State making an early impact as Riese secured a point with a kill assisted by Tripp. Bemidji State maintained momentum with a service ace from Tripp, extending their lead to 3-1. The home team continued to capitalize on errors by the visitors, leading 5-2 after a service error by the opposition. Bemidji State's Carlson contributed significantly, delivering multiple key kills to keep the match tightly contested. However, the Bulldogs responded with a series of kills from Karrels and a service ace by Julianne Hon, shifting the lead back and forth. The Bulldogs gained a slight edge with service aces and capitalized on attack errors from Bemidji State, closing the set at 25-20. Despite a strong effort from Bemidji State, including late kills from Athman, they were unable to regain the lead as the set concluded.
 
Bemidji State entered the fifth set by capitalizing on early errors from the Bulldogs, gaining a slight advantage. Riese and Athman each contributed with kills, maintaining a back-and-forth battle that saw both teams tied at multiple points. Ella Kratochvil's presence on the court led to a series of errors by the Bulldogs, allowing Bemidji State to build momentum and extend their lead. Hoffard and Tripp added crucial points, helping Bemidji State fend off the visitor's attempts to catch up. As the set drew to a close, Madison Tripp found the match-winning point on a skipped set tip to the Bulldogs' center court, securing a 15-13 victory for the Beavers, and concluding the match on a high note with a narrow but hard-fought win.
 
Kylie Struble recorded 17 digs and added two service aces, showcasing her defensive skills. Tripp led the team in assists with 40 and contributed four service aces. Riese finished with 16 points, including 16 kills over five games. Athman posted 14 kills and added one block assist, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts.
 
Bemidji State holds a 7-13 overall record and is 4-8 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Looking ahead, Bemidji State will face Wayne State at home in their next matchup. The contest is set for on Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the BSU Gymnasium in Bemidji, Minn. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products to donate in support of Bucky's Pantry. 
 
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).