DULUTH, Minn. – In a doubleheader against the University of Minnesota Duluth, Bemidji State University softball faced challenges in both games, concluding with a record of 14-16 overall and 1-5 in the NSIC.
 
In game one, Bemidji State pitcher Danica Sarff threw three innings, allowing three hits and four earned runs while walking four and striking out three. Sarff faced 15 batters, delivering 66 pitches with 34 strikes and recorded three wild pitches. Reliever Payton Prissel pitched another three innings, conceding five hits and two earned runs, with one walk and five strikeouts. Prissel also faced 15 batters, threw 66 pitches with 37 strikes and recorded a wild pitch and hit one batter.
 
Aimee Christenson led the Bemidji State offense with a perfect performance, going three-for-three at the plate and scoring one run. Calleigh Richards contributed with one hit and one RBI in four at-bats, while Mariah Stevenson matched Richards's output with one hit and one RBI, grounding out three times in four at-bats. On the mound, Sarff pitched three innings, allowing four earned runs on three hits, while striking out three and walking four. Notably, Morgan Benedict was a defensive standout, recording two caught stealings against four stolen base attempts and contributing one hit and scoring one run. She set the program's career caught stealing record with 25 as a junior.
 
The game flow began with Minnesota Duluth taking an early lead with a single through the left side, allowing UMD to score and setting the score at 1-0. Bemidji State struggled to generate hits, resulting in three quick outs. The third inning saw UMD extend their lead to 2-0 as a single brought another runner home, following their advancement to third on a wild pitch. Bemidji State loaded the bases in the third with a single and a walk but couldn't capitalize, ending the inning with a strikeout and a groundout.
 
The fourth inning proved pivotal for the Bulldogs, scoring four runs to increase their lead to 6-0. Bemidji State rallied in the fifth inning with three runs, starting with a single from Morgan Benedict. After a sequence of hits and a walk, Alexa Christenson, Calleigh Richards, and Mariah Stevenson contributed RBIs to cut the deficit to 6-3. Despite Bemidji State's efforts, the game concluded with a final score of 6-3 in favor of Minnesota Duluth.
 
In Game two, the Bulldogs establishing an early lead in the first inning with a solo home run, setting the score at 1-0. The second inning saw UMD extend its lead to 2-0 courtesy of a fielder's choice that allowed the Bulldogs to score. The Beavers managed to place runners in scoring positions in the fourth inning with Calleigh Richards' single, but they were unable to capitalize and bring in runs.
 
Minnesota Duluth increased its lead to 4-0 in the fourth inning, scoring two runs—one from a double and another unearned run due to a Bemidji State fielding error. The game remained scoreless for the next two innings. In the seventh inning, Bemidji State broke through with a run scored by Aubrey Aukerman, who doubled and was driven in by a single from Aimee Christenson, concluding the game with a final score of 4-1 in favor of the Bulldogs.
 
Kennedy Joachim pitched a complete game for Bemidji State, recording six innings with five hits, four runs (three earned), two walks and five strikeouts. She threw 103 pitches, 70 of which were strikes, and faced 26 batters. The freshman allowed one home run and one double while inducing nine flyouts and three groundouts. Despite the loss, Joachim maintained composure, especially against right-handed batters, holding them scoreless over 4 1/3 innings.
 
Aubrey Aukerman made a notable impact at second base with a double and a run scored in her three at-bats. She also successfully advanced a runner. Aimee Christenson at shortstop collected two hits in three at-bats, driving in one run and successfully executed a double play. Mariah Stevenson contributed with a hit at third base while also recording two assists in the field. Notably, Stevenson set the program's record for career assists with 315 total. 
 
The Beavers now prepare to travel to Sioux Falls, S.D. Saturday to take on the University of Sioux Falls Cougars. The double header will be 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).