MOORHEAD, Minn. – Bemidji State University softball split a two-game series with Minnesota State University Moorhead Saturday afternoon. The Beavers needed a four-win weekend for the chance at a spot in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference tournament and will now finish the season against Northern State University tomorrow afternoon. 
 
In the first game, Bemidji State started strong in the first inning as Alexa Christenson and Jackie Larsen both singled, setting the stage for Molly Houts, who delivered a bunt single that drove in two runs. MSU Moorhead responded with a two-run home run, tying the game at 2-2 after the first inning. The fifth inning was a turning point for Bemidji State, as Alayna DeGraef doubled to drive in two runs, followed by a single from Aimee Christenson that brought in two more, totaling four runs for the inning. This offensive surge put Bemidji State ahead 6-2. MSU Moorhead narrowed the gap in the sixth inning, adding a pair of runs to the scoreboard and bringing the score to 6-4 in favor of Bemidji State. In the seventh inning, Bemidji State's defense secured the win by preventing any further scoring from the Dragons.
 
In the second game, the Dragons took an early lead with two runs in the first inning, driven by consecutive singles. Bemidji State responded decisively in the third inning, beginning with a double by Alayna DeGraef, followed by an RBI single from Alexa Christenson. Mariah Stevenson added another RBI with a single, and Molly Houts doubled to bring in two more runs. Aubrey Aukerman and Houts executed a double steal, with Houts successfully stealing home, giving Bemidji State a 5–2 advantage after the third inning. However, the middle innings saw both teams' defenses hold strong, with neither side adding to their score in the fourth, fifth, or sixth innings. MSU Moorhead mounted a late rally in the seventh inning. After a triple, the Dragons added two RBIs to level the game. Natalie Gonzalez's single brought home the decisive run, securing a 6–5 victory for the Dragons.
 
In terms of pitching, Danica Sarff led the charge in the first game, pitching 5 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and four earned runs, while striking out 10 batters on 98 pitches with 63 strikes. She faced 23 batters and gave up one home run and one double, contributing to her overall record of 3-8. Kennedy Joachim came in as relief, pitching 1 2/3 innings without allowing a run, striking out two, and walking none, securing her first save of the season. In the second game, Kennedy Joachim pitched 2 innings, allowing 7 hits and 3 earned runs with 1 strikeout and no walks on 41 pitches, 32 of which were strikes. Danica Sarff took over for 4 2/3 innings, giving up 6 hits and 3 earned runs while striking out 4 batters and issuing no walks.
 
Molly Houts stood out in both games, leading Bemidji State with two RBIs in the first game, contributing two hits. Alayna DeGraef also shined, matching Houts with two hits and two RBIs, including a double. Aimee Christenson added two hits and two RBIs to her name. In the second game, Houts again led the team with two RBIs, contributing one hit, a double, and a stolen base. Jackie Larsen recorded two hits and scored one run, showcasing her ability to get on base with an additional walk. Mariah Stevenson drove in a run and scored once, also making a significant defensive contribution with three assists from third base. Alexa Christenson contributed with one hit, one RBI, and one run scored, showing efficiency in clutch situations with a two-out RBI.
 
The Beavers are now 20-30 overall with a 7-19 record in the NSIC. They will take on NSU at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. in Aberdeen to close the 2025 season. Both games are 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).