SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Bemidji State University Women's Basketball (6-17) defeated Augustana University. (6-20) with a final score of 70-64 on Saturday.
 
Bemidji State started the first quarter strong, with Ashlynne Guenther scoring an early layup and a 3-pointer, leading to an 8-0 advantage. Erin Barrette contributed significantly with two assists and a 3-pointer, pushing the score to 11-0 before Augustana managed to score. Alayna Suprenand added another 3-pointer to extend the Beavers' lead to 14-5, and by the end of the quarter, Bemidji State held a 21-12 lead, with contributions from multiple players including Aubrey Heyer and Ella Giorgi.
 
In the second quarter, the Beavers outscored their opponent 18-15, with strong contributions from Erin Barrette, who completed a layup and a free throw at 6:22, and Ashlynne Guenther, who assisted several key plays. The quarter featured a notable defensive effort, highlighted by Ella Giorgi's two blocks and several defensive rebounds by the team, maintaining a consistent lead. Despite Augustana's attempts to close the gap, Bemidji State's effective scoring in the paint and timely shooting helped secure their lead going into the next quarter.
 
In the third quarter, Bemidji State maintained a steady performance against Augustana, highlighted by Janette Hanni's scoring streak with consecutive layup and jumper shots, contributing to a 47-33 lead. Erin Barrette's defensive efforts were evident with a key steal early in the quarter, followed by successful free throws at 7:20, extending the team's lead. The quarter closed with the Beavers holding a slight edge, thanks to Aubrey Heyer's defensive rebounds and free throws, which helped secure a two-point lead in the quarter, despite Augustana's efforts to close the gap.
 
In the fourth quarter, Bemidji State's Ella Giorgi started with a defensive rebound followed by a successful jumper assisted by Tieryn Plasch, putting them ahead 57-45. Erin Barrette contributed with a layup at 7:30, extending the lead, and later secured a critical defensive rebound. Janette Hanni added to the score with a jumper, maintaining a 61-49 lead for the Beavers. Despite some turnovers, Bemidji State's defense held strong, with Rachel Koenig and Ashlynne Guenther making key plays, including a crucial layup and consecutive free throws by Guenther, which helped secure a 70-64 victory.
 
Erin Barrette led the Beavers with 15 points, shooting 5-for-10 from the field and 4-for-5 from the free-throw line, while also recording five steals. Aubrey Heyer made a significant impact with a game-high 11 rebounds, contributing 13 points and hitting 5 of 6 free throws. Tieryn Plasch facilitated the offense with six assists, adding four points and five rebounds. Janette Hanni scored 12 points on 6-for-11 shooting, emphasizing her scoring efficiency. Ella Giorgi was notable on defense, tallying four blocks alongside six points and six rebounds.
 
The Beavers hold an overall record of six wins and 17 losses, with a conference record of four wins and 15 losses in the NSIC. The Vikings have an overall record of six wins and 20 losses, with a conference record of four wins and 16 losses in the NSIC.
 
The Beavers now head to Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb. Saturday afternoon to close out their regular-season road schedule. BSU and WSC will tipoff at 5:30 p.m. with streaming available on the Beaver Radio Network and NSIC Network. 
 
For more information on the Bemidji State women's basketball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversWBB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversWBB).
 
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 Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).