BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (4-10, 1-5 NSIC) defeated Minot State University (2-13, 0-6 NSIC) in four sets on Friday afternoon at BSU Gymnasium, posting a 3-1 victory with set scores of 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, and 25-19. Bemidji State recorded 58 kills with a .248 hitting percentage while holding Minot State to a .080 hitting percentage.
 
The first set began with Bemidji State taking an early lead through a kill by Lily Riese, assisted by Madison Tripp. The teams exchanged points with notable performances by Ava Athman and Nevaeh Carlson, who each contributed kills to keep the score close. As the set progressed, Bemidji State managed to level the game at several junctures, including at 14-14 with a kill by Carlson.
 
Bemidji State briefly took the lead at 16-14 following a service ace by Athman. Despite a resilient effort, including multiple kills by Riese and Carlson, Bemidji State faced challenges in maintaining momentum, as errors allowed the visitors to regain control. Minot State eventually closed the set with a 25-22 advantage, capitalizing on late attack errors and a service ace.
 
Bemidji State opened the second set with a quick start, as Riese and Athman delivered early kills to set the tone. The Beavers capitalized on Minot State's miscues to maintain a narrow advantage, responding effectively to keep the scoring in their favor. Key contributions from Tripp, who assisted multiple times, facilitated Bemidji State's ability to counter Minot State's brief rallies.
 
Athman led a mid-set push with a series of kills, extending Bemidji State's lead. The Beavers' defense, highlighted by blocks from Karley Dunham and Katie Brandl, consistently thwarted Minot State's attempts to close the gap. As the set progressed, Carlson and Riese each added crucial kills, helping Bemidji State sustain its momentum.
 
Bemidji State maintained composure in the final stages, overcoming service errors and leveraging Minot State's attack errors to close out the set. Brandl's decisive kill clinched the set for the Beavers at 25-19, ensuring they carried a strong lead into the next phase of the match.
 
Bemidji State initiated a strong rally in the third set, overcoming an early deficit against Minot State. After trailing 10-5, Bemidji State capitalized on a series of Minot State errors and a service ace by Athman to equalize at 10-10 and then extend their lead. The home team continued to press the advantage with multiple kills from Grace Hoffard and Riese.
 
As the set progressed, Bemidji State's defense tightened, with effective blocks by Brandl and Dunham, leading to a commanding position. Despite Minot State's attempts to narrow the gap, Bemidji State maintained their momentum, closing the set with a 25-16 victory on a service error by Minot State, solidifying their control in the match.
 
Bemidji State opened the fourth set with consistent offensive execution, fueled by contributions from Athman and Carlson, establishing an early edge over Minot State. Tripp facilitated scoring opportunities, assisting on multiple kills that kept Bemidji State ahead in the scoring column.
 
Bemidji State maintained momentum through effective blocks by Hoffard and Riese, countering Minot State's attempts to close the gap. Despite a series of Minot State points, including a service ace, Bemidji State sealed the set with a decisive service ace by Brandl. The set concluded with Bemidji State securing a 25-19 victory, closing out the match.
 
Athman recorded 14 kills and three service aces, finishing with 17 points for Bemidji State. Riese led the team with 17 kills and added three block assists, totaling 18.5 points. Tripp contributed 27 assists while maintaining a perfect attack percentage on her single attempt. Dunham was strong defensively, registering three solo blocks and four block assists for a total of seven blocks.
 
Bemidji State holds an overall record of 4-10 and is 1-5 in NSIC play. Minot State currently stands at 2-13 overall with a 0-6 record in the NSIC.
 
Looking ahead, Bemidji State will host the University of Mary at BSU Gymnasium in Bemidji, Minn., on October 4. The match is set to begin at 11 a.m.
 
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).