ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Bemidji State University [7-19, 4-14 NSIC] fell to St. Cloud State University [21-6, 16-2 NSIC] in a four-set match on Saturday afternoon at Halenbeck Hall, with scores of 15-25, 15-25, 25-20, and 25-27. Bemidji State recorded 48 kills and 8 total blocks in the effort.
 
The first set began with St. Cloud gaining early momentum, building a quick 3-0 lead. Bemidji State responded with a kill by Lily Riese, narrowing the gap to 3-1. Despite a series of errors, the Beavers managed to keep pace with notable contributions from Karley Dunham, who recorded multiple kills. The visiting team found some rhythm late in the set with a series of kills by Ava Athman and Nevaeh Carlson, narrowing the deficit to 23-14. However, St. Cloud maintained their advantage, closing the set at 25-15.
 
The Beavers started the second set with a service ace by Anna Paquette, taking an early lead. However, St. Cloud countered with a series of successful plays, including kills by Emilie Planert and Shelby Kimm, resulting in a significant scoring run that put the Beavers behind. Despite their efforts, including kills from Athman and Dunham, St. Cloud maintained momentum. The final push included blocks by Athman and Dunham, but it was insufficient to close the gap. The set ended with St. Cloud securing a 25-15 victory.
 
Bemidji State rallied in the third set, overcoming an early deficit to secure a decisive 25-20 win. Carlson initiated the set with a kill, setting the tone for the visitors. After trailing 7-2, Bemidji gradually found their rhythm, with key contributions from Dunham and Riese bringing them back to a 16-16 tie. 
 
Paquette then took control with a series of serves, including two service aces and forcing multiple attack errors from St. Cloud, propelling Bemidji into the lead. The visitors closed out the set with a strong 9-0 run, cementing their victory as the game concluded with a final score of 25-20 in favor of the Beavers.
 
Bemidji fought tenaciously in the fourth set, with key kills from Grace Hoffard and Carlson keeping the score tight. A notable rally saw the Beavers pull ahead 11-9, highlighted by a series of kills by Kylie Gustafson and strategic blocks from Hoffard and Carlson. Despite Bemidji's efforts, St. Cloud countered effectively, tying the score at 22-22.
 
Bemidji regained a slight edge at 25-24 with a block by Dunham and Gustafson. However, St. Cloud clinched the set 27-25, concluding the match.
 
Paquette led defensively with 17 digs, providing crucial support for Bemidji. Hoffard contributed offensively with nine kills and a .450 hitting percentage, adding four block assists. Madison Tripp facilitated the attack by recording 23 assists, ensuring efficient ball distribution. Carlson added ten kills on 31 attempts, alongside three block assists.
 
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).