BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University softball closed its 2025 season with a Sunday split against Northern State University. BSU found the 8-4 win in game one but dropped game two after a three-run walkoff home run from NSU, falling 8-7.
 
In the first game of the doubleheader against Northern State, Bemidji State took an early lead in the first inning when Jackie Larsen walked and stole second, setting up Mariah Stevenson's double to drive in the first run. Northern State was held scoreless in their half, leaving Bemidji State ahead 1-0. In the third inning, Bemidji State expanded their lead with a series of hits. Larsen scored on Stevenson's double and was followed by Molly Houts' RBI triple and Aubrey Aukerman's RBI single, pushing the score to 4-1 after three innings.
 
Bemidji State continued their momentum in the fourth inning when Elle Hastings doubled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Alexa Christenson, increasing the lead to 5-2. The sixth inning saw Bemidji State capitalize on base running, with pinch runner Josie Kappes scoring on a fielder's choice by Alexa Christenson, and Jillian Johnson contributing another run, extending the advantage to 7-2. In the seventh inning, Bemidji State added another run with Maddie Kielsmeier scoring on an error, providing an 8-2 cushion. NSU managed to score twice in their last at-bat, aided by a couple of errors, but Bemidji State's defense held firm to secure an 8-4 victory, finishing with 12 hits and 8 runs.
 
Bemidji State pitcher Danica Sarff pitched 6 innings against the Wolves, allowing 3 hits and 4 runs, only 1 of which was earned. Sarff struck out 1 batter and walked 3 while facing 26 batters. She managed to keep Northern State scoreless in 5 of the 6 innings she pitched and gave up a solo home run. Her performance included inducing 11 flyouts and 6 groundouts.
 
Jackie Larsen led the Bemidji State team with a standout performance, scoring two runs, securing two hits, one RBI, and a stolen base. Mariah Stevenson also made significant contributions with two hits, two RBIs, and two doubles. Molly Houts added to the team's efforts with a triple among her hits, one RBI, and one run scored.
 
In the second game, Bemidji State started strong against Northern State University, with Alexa Christenson crossing home plate after a series of walks and a single by Molly Houts. This early run gave Bemidji State a 1–0 lead. In the fourth inning, Bemidji State capitalized on multiple opportunities and errors from the Wolves to score six runs. Calleigh Richards doubled to kickstart the inning, and a series of singles and errors allowed Aimee Christenson, Richards, Jackie Larsen, Mariah Stevenson, and Houts to score, extending their lead to 7–0.
 
Northern State responded in the bottom of the fourth with a two-run home run, followed by another run driven in, cutting Bemidji State's lead to 7–3. The fifth inning saw NSU add another run, narrowing the gap to 7–4. In the seventh inning, the Wolves mounted a comeback with a single that drove in a run, followed by a three-run home run, which secured an 8–7 victory for Northern State.
 
Kennedy Joachim pitched a complete game, throwing 6 2/3 innings for Bemidji State. She allowed 10 hits and 8 earned runs while walking 2 batters and striking out 7. Joachim faced 32 batters in total, surrendering 2 home runs and hitting one batter.
 
Alexa Christenson led Bemidji State with two runs and two RBIs. Molly Houts matched Christenson with two RBIs, also collecting two hits. Mariah Stevenson added two hits and one RBI to her performance.
 
The Beavers finish their season at 21-31 overall with an 8-20 record in the Norther Sun Intercollegiate Conference. 
 
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).