MANKATO, Minn. – Bemidji State University softball fell to Minnesota State University Mankato in a closely contested doubleheader on Sunday.
In game one, the teams were locked in a scoreless battle until the third inning when
Calleigh Richards drove in
Jackie Larsen with a single, giving Bemidji State a 1-0 lead. The defensive effort held strong through the middle innings, with the Beavers maintaining their narrow advantage. However, the seventh inning proved pivotal as the Mavericks capitalized on two errors, shifting the lead to 2-1 in favor of Minnesota State. Bemidji State was unable to respond in the bottom of the seventh, leading to a 2-1 victory for the Mavericks.
Kennedy Joachim pitched a complete game for Bemidji State, allowing six hits and two unearned runs across 7 innings. She struck out seven batters and walked only one, facing 30 batters in total. Joachim threw 129 pitches, 81 of which were strikes, and recorded 12 fly ball outs. Her performance included four strikeouts on called third strikes, and she managed to keep Minnesota State scoreless through the first six innings.
Calleigh Richards led Bemidji State with two hits in three at-bats and drove in one run, making her a key player in the offensive lineup.
Jackie Larsen contributed both offensively and defensively, scoring one run, stealing a base, and recording three putouts in center field.
In Game two,
Danica Sarff pitched 4 1/3 innings for Bemidji State, allowing four hits and five runs, two of which were earned, while striking out four batters and walking three. Sarff threw 75 pitches, with 45 strikes, facing 20 batters and giving up three doubles.
Elle Hastings entered the circle for 2 1/3 innings, yielding six hits and six earned runs, with one walk and no strikeouts, also giving up two home runs and throwing a wild pitch.
Keira Lucero made a brief appearance, pitching 1/3 of an inning without allowing a hit or run but issued two wild pitches and hit a batter.
Mariah Stevenson emerged as a standout player for Bemidji State in game two, recording three RBIs and hitting a home run in her four at-bats. She also contributed defensively with six assists at third base.
Jackie Larsen delivered another strong performance with two hits and a run scored.
Molly Houts made an impact with a triple among her two hits.
Bemidji State holds an overall record of 15-23 and a conference record of two wins and 12 losses in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Minnesota State has an overall record of 30-12 and a conference record of 14-2 in the NSIC. The Beavers are set to host the University of Minnesota Crookston on Wednesday on the BSU campus at 2 and 4 p.m.
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).
