ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Bemidji State University Softball split Tuesday's double header in St. Cloud, Minn. With the St. Cloud State University Huskies. The Beavers took game one in eight innings by a score of 8-4 then the Huskies bounced back for a 9-1, five-inning victory in the second matchup.
 
After allowing three runs in the first inning of game one, Bemidji State managed to close in on SCSU in the second inning. Maddie Kielsmeier singled up the middle, setting the stage for Avery Amidon, who walked. Aimee Christenson then delivered a crucial triple to left center, driving in two runs and bringing the score to 3-2. The inning ended with Bemidji State trailing by one run but showing offensive potential.
 
Moving to the fifth inning, Bemidji State added two more runs. Jackie Larsen was hit by a pitch and later stole second, moving closer to the program's career steals record. After Mariah Stevenson walked, Molly Houts advanced both runners with a sacrifice bunt. Aubrey Aukerman capitalized on this position by singling up the middle, which, due to a throwing error, allowed both Larsen and Stevenson to score, putting Bemidji State in the lead 4-3.
 
In the sixth inning, St. Cloud State responded with a single, driving in a run to tie the game at 4-4. However, Bemidji State's defense held firm, preventing further advances. The two teams were unable to pull away from each other, causing an extra inning to line up with the scoreboard knotted at four runs each.
 
The eighth inning proved pivotal for the Beavers. Aukerman led off with a single and advanced on consecutive errors by SCSU's third baseman, loading the bases. Aimee Christenson singled to bring in two runs, followed by a single from Stevenson, which added two more. This four-run rally sealed the game with Bemidji State securing an 8-4 victory, marking a strong offensive performance in the latter innings.
 
Kennedy Joachim delivered a complete game performance for Bemidji State, pitching 8 innings while allowing 4 earned runs on 4 hits. Joachim struck out 8 batters and issued 7 walks, facing a total of 34 batters. Despite allowing 3 runs in the first inning, Joachim settled down to limit St. Cloud State to just one additional run over the final 7 innings.
 
In the second game of the doubleheader, Danica Sarff pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and six runs, four of which were earned, while walking three and striking out two batters. She threw 54 pitches, with 31 strikes, and gave up one home run and one double. Elle Hastings relieved and pitched three innings, conceding three hits and three earned runs, alongside issuing four walks and striking out four batters. Hastings threw 83 pitches, of which 44 were strikes, and managed to strike out two batters looking while also recording three wild pitches.
 
Aubrey Aukerman made a significant impact for Bemidji State, going 2-for-2 at the plate. Mariah Stevenson contributed with an RBI, securing one hit in her two at-bats from the third spot in the lineup. Sophomore Jackie Larsen tied the program's all-time career stolen bases record, set at 29 by Jessica Burlingame from 2016-2019 and tied by Elaina Christiansen from 2019-2023.
 
Bemidji State now holds an overall record of 15-19 with 2-8 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. SCSU boasts a record of 26-11 overall with 5-4 in the conference. The Beavers are scheduled to take on Winona State University and Minnesota State University, Mankato at home this weekend. Impending inclement weather in the Bemidji area will decide if the Beavers will be at home for the first time this season or if they'll be on the road for another week.
 
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).