BEMIDJI, Minn. — Augustana University (10-12, 4-10 NSIC) defeated Bemidji State University (7-15, 4-10 NSIC) in straight sets on Saturday at the BSU Gymnasium, winning 25-23, 25-19, 25-14. Augustana's serving played a crucial role, highlighted by 14 aces contributing to their victory.
 
Bemidji State began the first set with determination, capitalizing on early errors from Augustana to quickly secure a 3-0 lead, with Lily Riese delivering a notable kill at 3-0. Madison Tripp extended the advantage with a service ace, and Riese added another kill to push the lead to 8-1. Despite Bemidji's strong start, Augustana mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 14-10 with a series of service aces and kills. 
 
Riese continued to be a key contributor, consistently delivering kills to keep the Beavers competitive. However, Augustana's resilience kept the set close, eventually tying it at 19-19. Bemidji State fought back to level the set at 20-20, but Augustana secured the set 25-23 with a decisive kill by Lucy Belisle.
 
Bemidji State kept the second set competitive against the Vikings, highlighted by a key service ace from Ava Athman that briefly put them ahead 9-8. Nevaeh Carlson also contributed significantly with multiple kills, maintaining pressure on the visitor. Despite their efforts, Augustana closed the set strong, with a final kill by Reagan Jansen, sealing the set 25-19 in favor of the visitors.
 
The Beavers made key plays in the third set, with Riese contributing two early kills, both assisted by Tripp, to keep the score competitive. Ella Kratochvil sparked momentum with a service ace that was followed by a blocked attack involving Grace Hoffard, leveling the score at 6-6. However, Augustana capitalized on a series of errors and surged ahead with a decisive run, eventually securing the set 25-14. The game concluded with Augustana prevailing, leaving Bemidji State to regroup for future contests.
 
Riese led Bemidji State with 12 kills on 36 attempts, contributing 12.5 points over three sets. Tripp facilitated the attack with 20 assists while adding seven digs and one ace. Carlson posted nine kills on 20 attempts, tallying 9.5 points. Kratochvil achieved a perfect hitting percentage with one kill on her sole attempt, also adding an ace.
 
The Beavers hold a record of 7-15 overall and 4-10 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. They now look to travel to Sioux Falls next weekend to take on the University of Sioux Falls at 6 p.m. Friday. 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).