BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University Women's Basketball fell to the University of Minnesota Crookston, 70-59, in a home contest on Tuesday.
 
The first quarter saw Bemidji State engage in a competitive back-and-forth with Minnesota Crookston, ultimately trailing by one point at the end of the quarter. Early in the game, Tieryn Plasch hit a 3-pointer at 9:07, assisted by Erin Barrette, to give Bemidji State an early lead. Brooklyn Wood also contributed with a 3-pointer at 5:29, narrowing the gap to 8-6, followed by Ella Giorgi's layup at 3:39 to tie the game at 8-8. Bemidji State continued to battle, with Alayna Suprenand connecting on two 3-pointers, the last at the buzzer, closing the deficit to 21-20.
 
In the second quarter, Bemidji State initially took the lead with Tieryn Plasch's early 3-pointer at 9:45, followed by a layup from Rachel Koenig assisted by Alayna Suprenand, making the score 25-21. BSU maintained a narrow lead through much of the quarter, highlighted by key defensive rebounds from Suprenand and offensive contributions from Aubrey Heyer, who scored a jumper at 3:30 to keep the team ahead 29-25. However, a late surge from UMC, including consecutive 3-pointers from Emma Miller in the final minutes, shifted the momentum, leading to a 40-33 advantage for the visitors by the end of the quarter.
 
The third quarter saw the Beavers outscore the Golden Eagles 17-14. Rachel Koenig opened the scoring for the Beavers with a jumper, assisted by Erin Barrette, who also contributed defensively with a steal. Tieryn Plasch hit a 3-pointer assisted by Ashlynne Guenther, and Aubrey Heyer made a layup to bring the score to 45-42. In the final minutes, the Beavers narrowed the gap with consecutive layups by Beth Bolte, assisted by Ella Giorgi and Erin Barrette, making the score 52-50.
 
Bemidji State faced a challenging fourth quarter against Minnesota Crookston, ultimately being outscored 16-9. Rachel Koenig provided an early spark with a successful jumper at 9:10, briefly putting Bemidji State ahead 54-52. Later, Tieryn Plasch connected on a 3-pointer, assisted by Aubrey Heyer at 3:20, narrowing the gap to 58-55. Despite efforts from our team, including Janette Hanni's two late layups, Bemidji State was unable to overcome the Golden Eagles' strong free-throw shooting in the closing minutes.
 
Erin Barrette made an impact on defense with six steals and contributed five assists in her single game played. Tieryn Plasch led the team in scoring with 16 points, making six baskets, including four from beyond the arc, and also recorded two steals. Aubrey Heyer dominated the boards, collecting a team-high 12 rebounds, while also adding four assists. Alayna Suprenand was active on both ends, scoring eight points and grabbing seven rebounds. Rachel Koenig was efficient, scoring six points on 50% shooting from the field.
 
Bemidji State has an overall record of five wins and 16 losses, with a conference record of three wins and 14 losses in the NSIC. UMC holds an overall record of eight wins and 15 losses, and a conference record of six wins and 11 losses in the NSIC.
 
Up next, Bemidji State faces Northern State University on February 8 at 5:30 p.m. in Aberdeen, S.D. The game is available on the Beaver Radio Network for listening and via the NSIC Network for streaming. 
 
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).