WAYNE, Neb. – Bemidji State University softball dropped a pair of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference games to Wayne State College Saturday afternoon. The first, a 7-6 loss, ended in an extra inning while the second ended at 7-3.
 
In game one, Bemidji State began the matchup with strong offensive momentum, scoring two runs in the first inning. Jackie Larsen singled and advanced on a wild pitch, setting up Mariah Stevenson for an RBI double. Stevenson later scored on a fielder's choice by Calleigh Richards, giving Bemidji State an early 2–0 lead. Both teams were held scoreless through the next three innings as Bemidji State maintained their defensive composure, allowing no runs despite Wayne State managing several base runners in the second and third innings.
 
The game shifted in the fifth inning when Wayne State scored five runs, highlighted by a three-run home run from the Wildcats, pulling WSC ahead 5–2. In the seventh inning, Bemidji State rallied with four runs. Aimee Christenson scored on a wild pitch, followed by Stevenson grounding out but driving in another run. Later, a two-RBI single by Aubrey Aukerman brought Bemidji State back into the lead, 6–5. Wayne State responded in the bottom of the seventh with a home run, tying the game at 6–6. The game concluded in the eighth inning as WSC secured the win with a sacrifice fly, resulting in a final score of 7–6.
 
Danica Sarff pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and three walks while striking out two batters. Kennedy Joachim appeared in two innings, surrendering six hits, five earned runs, and striking out one, with two inherited runners. Payton Prissel pitched 2 2/3 innings, giving up four hits, two earned runs, two walks, and striking out three, also allowing a home run. Elle Hastings closed with 2/3 of an inning, facing two batters without allowing a hit or a run.
 
Jackie Larsen showcased her offensive skills for Bemidji State, scoring two runs on two hits. Mariah Stevenson contributed significantly with two RBIs, hitting a double and drawing a walk. Alexa Christenson made an impact from the leadoff spot with two hits, including a double.
 
In game two, Wayne State took an early lead with a two-run double in the first inning, putting them ahead 2-0. The third inning saw further momentum for Wayne State with two solo home runs, extending their lead to 4-0. In the fourth inning, the Wildcats added three more runs to their tally, highlighted by an RBI double and a run scored on a fielding error, pushing their advantage to 7-0. Bemidji State responded in the fifth inning when Jackie Larsen hit a two-run homer, scoring Alexa Christenson and narrowing the gap to 7-2. 
 
Bemidji State added another run in the seventh inning with a single from Molly Houts that drove in Alexa Christenson, making the score 7-3. Despite this late effort, the early deficit was too much to overcome. Wayne State secured a 7-3 victory over Bemidji State, with the Beavers collecting 10 hits in the game. 
 
Danica Sarff pitched 2 innings, allowing no hits or runs while striking out four batters on 24 pitches, with 16 strikes. Elle Hastings started the game, pitching 2 1/3 innings, giving up four hits, including two home runs, resulting in four earned runs and two walks, leading to her receiving the loss. Kennedy Joachim contributed 1 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs, while striking out two and throwing 22 strikes out of 31 pitches. Overall, the Bemidji State pitchers faced 29 batters, allowing a total of seven runs on nine hits.
 
Alexa Christenson made a strong impact for Bemidji State with a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate, scoring two runs and hitting a double. With her three hits in the game, Christenson reached a significant milestone, joining the 200 career hits club. Jackie Larsen contributed with two RBIs and hitting a home run during her 2-for-4 outing. Molly Houts added to the scoring with an RBI, contributing one hit in four at-bats.
 
Bemidji State holds an overall record of 16-26 with a conference record of three wins and 15 losses in the NSIC. Wayne State has an overall record of 25-16 and a conference record of 10 wins and seven losses.
 
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).