KENOSHA, Wis. — Bemidji State University (3-4, 0-0 NSIC) continued its impressive performance in the 2025 Hampton Inn Invitational, recording straight-set victories over both Missouri University of Science and Technology (1-4, 0-0 GLVC) and McKendree University (0-6, 0-0 GLVC). The Beavers defeated the Miners 25-19, 25-20, 26-24, and followed that with a win over the Bearcats, 25-21, 25-20, 25-17. With these results, Bemidji State has now won nine consecutive sets in the tournament.
 
In the match against Missouri S&T, the Beavers opened the first set with a service ace from Jada Wlodarczyk, setting an early tone. Lily Riese contributed significantly, securing consecutive kills to establish a 4-1 lead, supported by assists from Madison Tripp. A strong serving sequence from Wlodarczyk, including two more aces at 22-18 and 23-18, helped the Beavers maintain their edge, with Grace Hoffard clinching the final point of the set for a 25-19 victory.
 
The second set started with a challenging sequence for the Beavers, falling behind 0-4 due to attack errors. However, they quickly rallied with Hoffard's kill at 4-1, initiating a comeback that saw Ava Boelter serve three consecutive aces, pushing the score to 9-7. Key contributions from Nevaeh Carlson and Riese kept the momentum going, leading to a decisive 25-20 win, capitalized by back-to-back attack errors from the Miners' Selin Ozdemir.
 
In the third set, the Beavers opened with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Hoffard's kill from Tripp. Despite a mid-set rally by the Miners, the Beavers responded decisively, with Carlson and Hoffard securing critical late kills. Katrina Thompson's assist to Hoffard and a service ace from Kylie Struble clinched the set 26-24, marking the 10th ace of the match for the Beavers.
 
Against McKendree, the first set unfolded with Bemidji State establishing an early lead through strong performances from Ava Athman and Jada Wlodarczyk. The Beavers secured the set 25-21, despite a late surge from McKendree that tied the score at 20-20. 
 
In the second set, a tight exchange gave way to a rhythm found by the Beavers, with Nevaeh Carlson contributing two consecutive kills. Karley Dunham's serving, including two service aces, helped widen the gap to 9-5. The Beavers maintained composure to secure the set 25-20 with a final kill from Riese.
 
The third set saw a back-and-forth exchange, with Hoffard securing an early kill. The Beavers overcame a 7-5 deficit with a pivotal kill from Carlson, and Tripp's service ace at 15-14 sparked a decisive run. Athman delivered a service ace at 24-17, followed by another kill from Hoffard, sealing the set 25-17.
 
Top Performances:
Against Missouri S&T: Riese led with 13 kills and two blocks. Tripp had 24 assists, Carlson posted an impressive .444 hitting percentage with 11 kills, and Hoffard recorded nine kills and one block assist.
Against McKendree: Hoffard led with nine kills on 13 attempts, hitting an impressive .692. Tripp facilitated the offense with 25 assists and a service ace, while Carlson contributed 12 kills and one block assist. Dunham bolstered the team's efforts with four service aces and four block assists.
 
The Beavers hold a record of 3-4 overall following these matches. Looking ahead, Bemidji State will continue their tournament play against tournament host University of Wisconsin Parkside on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Next week, the Beavers begin their home schedule and Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play with Southwest Minnesota State University and the University of Sioux Falls.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Volleyball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversVB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversVB).
 
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).