MARSHALL, Minn. – In a doubleheader against Southwest Minnesota State University, Bemidji State University Softball faced a challenging start but showcased resilience and offensive depth in game two to secure a victory after falling short in game one.
 
Game one started with Southwest Minnesota State taking an early lead in the first inning, scoring on a wild pitch to go up 1-0. Bemidji State responded with a promising double from Alexa Christenson but was unable to capitalize, leaving the score at 1-0 after the first inning. The Mustangs extended their lead significantly in the fourth inning, with Abby Russell's single followed by a triple from Brynn Webber and a double by Karlie Miller, bringing the score to 5-0. Bemidji State managed to get on the board in the bottom of the fourth when Mariah Stevenson, who is now tied for the program record for assists with 314, scored after Calleigh Richards' sacrifice fly, making it 5-1. Despite Alexa Christenson's efforts in the fifth inning, where she walked and advanced to third, BSU couldn't close the gap, resulting in a final score of 5-1 in favor of SMSU.
 
Alexa Christenson led Bemidji State with a solid offensive performance, going 2-for-2 with a double and a walk, maintaining a perfect on-base percentage. Mariah Stevenson contributed offensively and defensively, scoring one run, securing one hit, and recording four assists at third base. Calleigh Richards provided the team's only RBI with a sacrifice fly despite going hitless in two at-bats. Danica Sarff pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and five earned runs, while Payton Prissel contributed 3 1/3 scoreless innings, giving up just two hits.
 
In the second game, Bemidji State's offense began to take shape in the bottom of the second inning. Mariah Stevenson doubled to center field, and after a single from Molly Houts, Stevenson advanced to third. A caught stealing attempt brought her home, putting Bemidji State ahead 1-0. The Beavers extended their lead in the third inning with a strong offensive performance. Maddie Kielsmeier singled, and an error advanced Aimee Christenson to second, leading to four runs with contributions from Alexa Christenson and Jackie Larsen in RBIs, while Calleigh Richards and Stevenson added key hits. By the end of the inning, the score stood at 5-0 in favor of BSU.
 
The Mustangs responded in the fourth inning with a rally of their own, narrowing the Beavers' lead to 5-4. However, Bemidji State's defense held firm, preventing further scoring. In the sixth inning, BSU capitalized on errors, with freshman Alayna DeGraef and sophomore Maddie Kielsmeier reaching base on errors, leading to three unearned runs. Alexa Christenson and Jackie Larsen's efforts brought the score to 8-4, which remained unchanged as BSU's defense shut out SMSU in the seventh inning, securing the victory.
 
Jackie Larsen led the Beavers with a standout performance, contributing two hits, two RBIs, and a stolen base. Calleigh Richards also made a significant impact with a double, one RBI, and scored a run. Mariah Stevenson showcased her hitting ability with two hits, including a double, and added an RBI. Molly Houts delivered two hits in the game, providing a consistent offensive presence. Kennedy Joachim pitched a complete game for BSU, recording a win with 118 pitches over 7 innings, allowing 7 hits and 4 earned runs, while striking out 8.
 
Bemidji State now holds an overall record of 14-14 and is 1-3 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The Beavers will travel to the University of Minnesota Duluth on Wednesday for a doubleheader against the Bulldogs. Both games are available on the NSIC Network.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Softball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversSB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversSB).
 
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).