MARSHALL, Minn. — No. 18 Southwest Minnesota State University (17-6, 10-6 NSIC) defeated Bemidji State University (7-17, 4-12 NSIC) in straight sets on Saturday afternoon in Marshall, with set scores of 25-17, 25-18, and 25-14.
 
Bemidji State opened the first set with a strong start, scoring the initial point through a kill by Grace Hoffard, assisted by Madison Tripp. Lily Riese further extended the lead with consecutive kills, bringing the score to 3-1. The Beavers maintained a slight edge through the middle of the set, with Ava Athman contributing key points to keep the team competitive. Despite their efforts, Bemidji State faced a shift in momentum as Southwest Minnesota State capitalized on a series of errors and effective plays, pulling ahead to conclude the set with a 25-17 advantage.
 
Bemidji State started the second set strongly with an early lead, highlighted by a kill from Hoffard assisted by Tripp. Kylie Struble's service ace and a subsequent kill by Karley Dunham pushed the visitors ahead 3-0. However, the Mustangs responded and gradually closed the gap, eventually tying the score at 5-5 after a series of errors from Bemidji State.
 
The set remained tightly contested, with the Beavers momentarily regaining the lead at 16-15 following an attack error by Karli Arkell. Despite Bemidji State's efforts, including a key block by Hoffard and Nevaeh Carlson, the Mustangs pulled ahead decisively towards the end. The home team capitalized on several errors by Bemidji State, securing the set 25-18.
 
Bemidji State faced a challenging third set against Southwest Minnesota State, struggling to maintain momentum despite several efforts to close the gap. Athman delivered multiple key kills, one from Tripp, tying the score at 6-6. Hoffard and Isabella Vander Velden also contributed with timely kills, keeping Bemidji State within reach.
 
However, Southwest Minnesota State capitalized on a series of Bemidji State errors and efficient plays from Sydney Thein's assists, pulling ahead decisively. Despite Bemidji State's efforts, including a service ace by Jada Wlodarczyk, they could not overcome the home team's lead. The set ended with Southwest Minnesota State securing a 25-14 victory, concluding the match.
 
Athman led the Beavers with nine kills and added eight digs over three sets. Tripp contributed significantly with 20 assists and collected seven digs. Hoffard tallied six kills and two total blocks to earn 7.5 points. Riese also posted nine kills and achieved six digs in the match.
 
The Beavers' next match will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, when they travel to Mankato, Minn. to take on No. 24 Minnesota State University Mankato. 
 
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).