BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University softball split its annual Battle of the Beavers double header with Minot State University Friday. BSU took game one 2-1 in a walk off then fell 5-3 in the second. 
 
In the first game of the doubleheader, scoring started slow for both teams until, in the fifth inning, Bemidji State broke the deadlock. After Jackie Larsen walked and stole second, Mariah Stevenson singled to right center, allowing Larsen to score, putting Bemidji State ahead 1–0. Bemidji State added three hits in this inning but left three runners on base, leading 1–0 after five innings.
 
Minot State responded in the top of the seventh with Abbey Kelley scoring off a single by Taylor Smith, tying the game at 1–1. However, Bemidji State reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the seventh. Alexa Christenson singled up the middle, advanced to third on subsequent plays, and scored on a walk-off hit by Molly Houts, securing a 2–1 victory for Bemidji State. The game finished with Bemidji State achieving a final score of 2–1, supported by nine hits and no errors. MSU recorded three hits and no errors during the first matchup of the day.
 
Danica Sarff pitched 3 innings for Bemidji State, allowing no hits and no runs while issuing five walks and striking out four batters. She faced 14 batters and threw a total of 64 pitches, with 30 of those being strikes. Kennedy Joachim contributed with 4 innings of relief, giving up three hits and one earned run, while walking one and striking out two. Joachim faced 16 batters, throwing 55 pitches with 38 strikes, and successfully navigated five flyouts and five groundouts.
 
Mariah Stevenson led Bemidji State with three hits in her four at-bats, contributing one RBI. Molly Houts also showed strong performance, recording two hits and one RBI in four at-bats, including the game-winning RBI. Jackie Larsen also made an impact on the bases, scoring one run, stealing a base, and drawing a walk, while securing one hit in two at-bats.
 
In the second game, Bemidji State fell to Minot State with a final score of 5-3. Payton Prissel pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and three runs, with two of them earned. She struck out four batters and walked one, throwing 69 pitches with 45 strikes. Danica Sarff appeared for 2/3 of an inning, giving up two hits and one earned run without striking out any batters. Kennedy Joachim pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing two hits and one earned run, while striking out seven batters and walking one. Joachim's performance was notable for her seven strikeouts, accounting for all but one of the team's strikeouts during her time on the mound.
 
Jillian Johnson led Bemidji State with two hits and one run scored in three at-bats. Mariah Stevenson, who along with Alexa Christenson tied the program record for most games played in their careers with 197, contributed significantly with one hit and one run in three at-bats, adding to her defensive efforts with an assist at third base.
 
Bemidji State holds an overall record of 17 wins and 29 losses, with a conference record of four wins and 18 losses in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. MSU now has an overall record of 26 wins and 19 losses, and a conference record of 14-8.
 
The Beavers now host University of Mary Saturday afternoon at 12 and 2 p.m. at the BSU Softball Field. Between games, the team will honor its five seniors, Aimee Christenson, Alexa Christenson, Molly Houts, Johnna Seriano and Mariah Stevenson. Fans are invited into the PE Building following for a special video dedicated to the class. The games are available on the NSIC Network for streaming. 
 
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).