BEMIDJI, Minn. — The (RV) Bemidji State University Women's Soccer team secured a 2-0 victory over Northern State University Monday at Chet Anderson Stadium in the first round of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament. The second-seed Beavers advanced to semifinal round of the conference tournament to play St. Cloud State University on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato Friday morning.
 
In frigid temperatures and icy winds, the Beavers took an early lead scoring just 30 seconds after the opening kick-off, followed by a goal late in the second half to seal the win. Bemidji State outshot the Wolves 10-4, with five of those shots on target. The Bemidji State defense and goalkeeper Sonia Alfieri, recorded their fourth consecutive shutout and 11^th of the season.
 
The match commenced with Bemidji State taking an early lead as Madisen Fritel scored in the first minute, assisted by Kenzie Harer. She scored just 30 seconds into the match, the third fastest goal in Beaver Soccer history. The Wolves attempted to respond with a series of corner kicks, totaling five in the first 45 minutes, but could not find the back of the net. Defensively, NSU's goalkeeper MacKenzie Turner kept the team in contention, saving a shot from Fritel in the 26th minute. The half concluded with Bemidji State holding a 1-0 advantage.
 
Bemidji State extended their lead in the second half with a goal by Megan Ko in the 71st minute, bringing the score to 2-0. Earlier attempts by Madeline Davey and Katrina Barthelt tested the Wolves' defense but were unsuccessful, with Davey's shot going out and Barthelt's being saved by Ilee Neemeyer. Sonia Alfieri played a crucial role in maintaining the lead by saving shots, notably stopping Savannah Funk's attempt in the 53rd minute and Chloe Voss's in the 65th. Despite several fouls committed by both teams, Bemidji State held off NSU to secure the victory.
 
The Beavers advance to the semifinal round of the NSIC Tournament for the ninth time in program history.
 
Bemidji State now faces third-seed St. Cloud State Friday at 10 a.m. at The Pitch in Mankato, Minn. The winner will advance to play the winner of No. 2 Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul for the NSIC Tournament Championship Sunday.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State soccer program, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaverSoccer), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversSoccer).
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
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