SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sioux Falls defeated Bemidji State University 3-1 on Thursday night at the Stewart Center, with set scores of 24-26, 25-15, 25-21, 25-12. Bemidji State recorded a hitting percentage of .304 in the opening set.
 
Bemidji State started the match with an early lead, thanks to a kill by Grace Hoffard, assisted by Madison Tripp, and a successful strike from Lily Riese. The visitors maintained their momentum with a series of offensive plays, including a critical kill by Nevaeh Carlson, which was pivotal in maintaining the lead. Sioux Falls briefly challenged with a series of points to level the score at 21-21, but the Beavers responded decisively. Late kills by Karley Dunham and Ava Athman, combined with a final strike from Carlson, secured a 26-24 victory for Bemidji State in the opening set.
 
Bemidji State faced challenges in the second set against the Cougars, despite a strong kill by Riese assisted by Tripp to equalize early at 2-2. Sioux Falls then gained momentum, capitalizing on Bemidji State's service errors and solidifying a lead. Although Hoffard and Athman managed impactful kills to keep Bemidji State in contention, Sioux Falls maintained control. Ultimately, the Cougars closed the set with a 25-15 victory, leaving Bemidji State aiming to regroup for the next set.
 
Bemidji State showed resilience in the third set, closing a significant gap to tie the score at 20-20, highlighted by a crucial kill from Carlson, set up by Katrina Thompson. Athman played a pivotal role with multiple kills, helping Bemidji State maintain competitiveness throughout the set. However, Sioux Falls ultimately secured the set with a 25-21 win.
 
Bemidji State began the fourth set with a strong start, securing consecutive points through kills by Ava Boelter and Tripp, assisted by Athman. However, Sioux Falls quickly responded, tying the score at 2-2 and later overtaking Bemidji State with a series of scoring plays, including a service ace that extended their lead. Despite efforts by Bemidji State, including kills by Dunham and Thompson, Sioux Falls maintained momentum through consistent offensive pressure. Ultimately, the set ended with Sioux Falls securing a 25-12 victory, concluding the game.
 
Tripp posted 32 assists across four games, contributing significantly to the team's setup play. Athman tallied 14 kills on 33 attempts, maintaining a hitting percentage of .364. Hoffard recorded seven kills with a hitting percentage of .318, adding to her offensive contribution. Thompson added nine assists and four kills on just five attempts, achieving a .800 hitting percentage.
 
Bemidji State holds a 7-16 overall record and is 4-11 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Sioux Falls has an overall record of 14-9 and stands at 9-6 in NSIC play.
 
Their next game will take place against Southwest Minnesota State at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Marshall, Minn. The Beavers stay on the road next week and will return home to close the regular season Nov. 14 and 15. All NSIC matches are available on the NSIC Network for streaming. 
 
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).