MANKATO, Minn. — The (RV) Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team and St. Cloud State University played to a tense 0-0 draw at The Pitch in Mankato, Minn., Friday in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament semifinals. The Huskies advanced to the NSIC Championship match Sunday after a 3-2 win in the penalty-kick shootout.
 
BSU's NSIC Tournament run comes to an end but remain in good positioning to qualify for the NCAA DII Women's Soccer Tournament. The NCAA Women's Soccer selection show will be streamed online on Monday, Nov. 17 at NCAA.com at 5:30 p.m. (CT).
 
Bemidji State's defense held strong as goalkeeper Sonia Alfieri recorded nine saves to maintain the clean sheet. Despite both teams creating opportunities, with Bemidji State taking 11 shots and St. Cloud State registering 17, neither side could find the back of the net through regulation and overtime.
 
The match between Bemidji State and SCSU began with both teams showcasing strong defensive plays. Bemidji State's Katrina Barthelt made a significant impact, attempting multiple shots, including a saved attempt in the 34th minute. The Huskies' defense, led by goalkeeper Jaylee Strickland, proved resilient, stopping several Bemidji State shots. On the other side, Sonia Alfieri of Bemidji State made a crucial save against a shot from Ellie Primerano in the 37th minute. The first half concluded without either team finding the back of the net, ending in a 0-0 tie.
 
The second half featured strong defensive performances from both teams, resulting in a scoreless draw for the half. Bemidji State's Alfieri was pivotal in goal, making several key saves, including a stop on a shot by Primerano in the 56th minute. The Huskies applied pressure throughout, with multiple attempts on goal, yet Alfieri remained unyielding, denying another attempt by Primerano in the 87th minute. Bemidji State's Barthelt managed a shot on target in the 74th minute, but it was saved by SCSU's Strickland. The half concluded with both sides unable to break the deadlock.
 
The overtime period between Bemidji State and SCSU began with both teams making strategic substitutions. The Huskies had an early opportunity with a corner kick in the 91st minute, but Bemidji State's defense held firm. The Huskies' Primerano and Ella Clow each attempted shots in the 99th minute, both of which narrowly missed the target. The period concluded scoreless, with neither team able to capitalize on their chances.
 
The second overtime began with Bemidji State and SCSU both seeking a decisive goal. The Huskies' Primerano took an early shot at 101', followed by a corner kick two minutes later. Alfieri made key saves for Bemidji State, stopping shots from Cady Compton and Gabby Hofeld. Breanna Weilert's attempt for Bemidji State at 109' was denied by Strickland, concluding the period without a goal. The match ended in a scoreless draw after the second overtime.
 
The shootout between Bemidji State and SCSU concluded in dramatic fashion after a scoreless regulation and overtime. Kramer put Bemidji State on the board with a successful attempt, while Grace Olson and Primerano matched for SCSU. Barthelt kept Bemidji State in contention with her make, but Linsey Trapino's final successful attempt secured the shootout victory for the Huskies.
 
Alfieri delivered a strong defensive performance, recording nine saves and securing a shutout over 110 minutes. Barthelt led the offensive efforts with seven shots, three of which were on goal. Weilert contributed to the attack with a shot on goal, while Briana Stocke added another shot on target.
 
Bemidji State moves to 14-2-4 overall and extends its unbeaten streak to 12 matches.
 
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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