BEMIDJI, Minn. — No. 6 Concordia University, St. Paul defeated Bemidji State University 3-0 at BSU Gymnasium on Friday, with scores of 25-23, 25-19, 25-19. The Beavers recorded four total blocks in the match.
Bemidji State opened the first set with a balanced attack, highlighted by
Grace Hoffard's early kill from
Madison Tripp to level the score at 1-1. Despite a service ace from Audrey Waterman, the home team managed to keep pace with Concordia-St. Paul, as
Nevaeh Carlson capitalized on a Tripp assist to edge the score to 3-2. Midway through the set, Bemidji State narrowed the gap to 8-8, aided by a series of errors by the Golden Bears and a strong kill by Hoffard.
The Beavers displayed resilience as the set reached its climax, with
Karley Dunham and
Kylie Gustafson contributing key points to tie the game at 23-23. However, Concordia-St. Paul secured the set with a final kill by Makenna Nold, followed by an attack error from
Madison Tripp, closing the set at 25-23 in favor of the visitors.
Bemidji State fought to maintain momentum in the second set, with Hoffard and
Ava Athman contributing key kills that kept the score even at multiple points. Tripp facilitated the offense effectively, assisting on several crucial plays, including a kill by Carlson that tied the score 3-3. However, Concordia-St. Paul's Ellie Sieling's consistent scoring, including multiple kills, allowed the visitors to pull ahead. Despite Bemidji State's efforts to close the gap with late points from Carlson and Hoffard, Concordia-St. Paul secured the set, ending with a 25-19 advantage.
The Beavers rallied mid-set with key contributions from Athman and
Lily Riese, both securing crucial kills that brought the score to a tie at 7-7. Tripp's service ace and Athman's subsequent kill helped Bemidji State keep pace with Concordia-St. Paul during a competitive stretch. Despite Bemidji State's efforts, the Golden Bears managed to pull away in the latter stages, ultimately closing the set with a 25-19 victory. The match concluded with this set, ending with Concordia-St. Paul on top.
Hoffard contributed significantly with seven kills and one solo block, totaling 8.0 points. Athman registered seven kills and three blocks, earning 9.5 points in the match. Tripp facilitated the offense with 13 assists and added eight digs on defense.
Kylie Struble anchored the defense with 11 digs while also contributing three assists.
The Beavers hold a 7-20 overall record and are 4-15 in NSIC play. The Golden Bears are 23-4 overall with an 18-1 mark in NSIC competition. The Beaver's next game will take place against Winona State University at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, to close the 2025 season.
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).
