MANKATO, Minn. — Bemidji State University (7-18, 4-13 NSIC) fell to No. 24 Minnesota State University (20-5, 12-5 NSIC) in straight sets on Friday at Taylor Center, with scores of 24-26, 17-25, 12-25. The Beavers recorded a match-high 14 kills in the opening set but could not overcome the Mavericks' 11 service aces and efficient attack.
 
Bemidji State started the first set strongly, with Lily Riese contributing early by blocking an attack from Minnesota State's Avery Rosenberg to score the opening point. The visiting team briefly held the lead at 13-9, fueled by kills from Nevaeh Carlson and Ava Athman, both set up by Madison Tripp. However, Minnesota State mounted a comeback, tying the score at 14-14 and eventually taking a narrow lead. The Beavers fought back to tie the score at 23-23, but the Mavericks managed to edge out the set, securing a 26-24 victory.
 
In the second set, Bemidji State encountered several momentum shifts but managed notable plays. Riese made an early impact with a kill from Tripp to bring the score to 1-0. Despite facing a service error, the Beavers tied the score 2-2 following an error by the Mavericks. Athman and Grace Hoffard contributed with key kills, maintaining pressure on their opponents. However, the Mavericks capitalized on Bemidji State's service errors and built a lead. Despite the Beavers' effort to close the gap with a late surge, including a kill by Katrina Thompson, the set concluded with the Mavericks ahead, 25-17.
 
Bemidji State began the third set with early momentum, tying the score at 1-1 through a kill by Hoffard, assisted by Tripp. They briefly held the lead at 2-1 after a kill by Karley Dunham, again from Tripp's setup. However, Minnesota State responded with a series of attacks, widening their lead to 8-5, despite Bemidji State's efforts to keep the score close. 
 
The Beavers continued to battle, highlighted by Athman's two late kills, both assisted by Tripp, closing the gap to 23-12. Despite these efforts, the Mavericks capitalized on several errors and key plays to secure the set victory, 25-12. The game concluded with Minnesota State winning the match.
 
Tripp recorded 17 assists and contributed six digs over three sets. Riese tallied nine kills and added three blocks for a total of 11 points. Athman finished with seven kills and five digs, contributing significantly to the team's performance. Anna Paquette led the defensive effort with eight digs, showcasing a strong presence on the court.
 
Bemidji State holds a record of 7-18 overall and 4-13 in NSIC conference play. Minnesota State has an overall record of 20-5 and stands at 12-5 in NSIC conference competition.
 
Their next game will take place against St. Cloud State tomorrow at 2 p.m. in St. Cloud, Minn.
 
The Beavers will have two home matches remaining after this weekend, senior day against CSP on Nov. 14 and the final match of the season against Winona State University on Nov. 15. All remaining NSIC matches are available for streaming on the NSIC Network and tickets to BSU home matches can be purchased in person or online via Hometown Ticketing. 
 
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).