BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University softball swept the University of Mary Marauders in the final home doubleheader of the 2025 season. The Beavers took game one 9-1 and kept things a bit closer in the second, finishing 5-2.
 
In the first game, both teams managed to score a run in the first inning. Bemidji State's Alexa Christenson and Jackie Larsen set the stage with consecutive singles, and Christenson eventually scored on Molly Houts' RBI single, tying the game at 1–1. In the third inning, Bemidji State took the lead with a two-run effort. After Christenson reached on an error, Mariah Stevenson doubled, and Houts contributed an RBI sacrifice bunt, allowing Larsen to score. Aubrey Aukerman followed with a single that drove in Stevenson, putting Bemidji State ahead 3–1 after the third.
 
The fourth inning was pivotal for Bemidji State, as they extended their lead with a five-run outburst. Alayna DeGraef and Aimee Christenson got on base, setting up a series of critical plays. Stevenson walked in a run, and Houts delivered a two-RBI single. Aukerman capped the inning with a two-RBI triple, increasing the lead to 8–1. This game was particularly memorable for Stevenson, as she and Alexa Christenson set the program record for most games played in their careers with 198. Bemidji State capped their scoring in the fifth inning with DeGraef walking and later scoring on Alexa Christenson's RBI double, extending their lead to 9–1. The defensive effort was equally effective, as Bemidji State held UMary scoreless over the final four innings, securing a 9–1 win.
 
In the second game, Bemidji State opened the scoring in the first inning with a double by Houts, driving in Alexa Christenson for the early lead, putting them ahead 1-0. In the third inning, the University of Mary tied the game at 1-1 when they scored on a single. The fourth inning saw Bemidji State regain the lead as Jillian Johnson scored on a wild pitch, pushing the score to 2-1. The momentum continued for Bemidji State in the fifth inning when Morgan Benedict delivered a crucial double to left field, bringing in three runs and extending their advantage to 5-1. UMary added another run in the sixth inning with an RBI single, closing the gap to 5-2. Bemidji State, however, held on to their lead, ultimately securing a 5-2 victory over the Marauders.
 
Danica Sarff delivered a complete game performance against the Marauders in the first game, pitching 5 innings while allowing 4 hits and 1 earned run. Sarff struck out 9 batters and issued only one walk, facing a total of 19 batters. She threw 77 pitches with 51 strikes, maintaining control and efficiency throughout the game. Her performance included a notable streak of retiring 8 batters through strikeouts, contributing significantly to her team's defensive efforts. 
 
In the second game, Kennedy Joachim completed a full game, pitching 7 innings against UMary. She allowed 8 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 6 batters and walking just one. Joachim faced 31 batters, inducing 13 flyouts and only one groundout. Additionally, she managed to work through various situations with runners on base, maintaining composure and preventing further scoring from her opponents.
 
Alexa Christenson led Bemidji State in the first game with three hits in four at-bats and scored two runs, showcasing her consistency at the plate. Molly Houts delivered a standout performance with four RBIs and two hits, including a stolen base, highlighting her offensive contribution. Aubrey Aukerman also made significant contributions with two hits, including a triple, and drove in three runs to bolster the team's offense. Furthermore, Jackie Larsen tied the program record for most steals in a single season at 19, then took the record outright by grabbing her 20^th of the season in the second game. 
 
In the second game, Alexa Christenson continued her strong performance, going 4-for-4 at the plate, all hits coming against right-handed pitching. Houts contributed significantly with two hits, including a double, and recorded one RBI and one run in her appearance. Benedict made a notable impact by driving in three runs with her lone hit, a double, in two at-bats. 
 
Bemidji State now holds an overall record of 19-29 and a conference record of 6-18 in the NSIC. The Marauders have an overall record of nine wins and 40 losses, with a conference record of 2-22.
 
The Beavers now head on the road to Moorhead, Minn. and Aberdeen, S.D. next Saturday and Sunday as they close out the regular season against the Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons and Northern State University Wolves. Both doubleheaders 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).