DULUTH, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Women's Soccer Team defeated University of Minnesota Duluth 3-1 Friday, Sept. 12 at James S. Malosky Stadium in Duluth. After a scoreless first half, Bemidji State surged in the second half scoring three goals to overcome a 1-0 deficit from UMD's first-half goal. Senior
Katrina Barthelt scored two goals for her fifth career multi-goal match while freshman
Molly Burkstrand scored her first collegiate goal and freshman goalkeeper
Payton Kropp made five saves and earned her first collegiate win in goal.
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The first half between Bemidji State and Minnesota Duluth saw a defensive battle, with both teams making multiple attempts on goal. Barthelt and
Molly Burkstrand each had shots on goal early, but both were saved by UMD's goalkeeper Kaycee Chavez. Minnesota Duluth broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute with a goal by Kaitlyn Beavers, giving the home team a 1-0 lead. Kropp was active in the half recording multiple saves to keep the deficit at one going into the break.
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Bemidji State's offense began the second half with intensity, equalizing the match at 1-1 in the 49th minute when Burkstrand scored, which was assisted by Barthelt.
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Just minutes later, Barthelt found the back of the net herself in the 54th minute, giving Bemidji State a 2-1 lead.
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Barthelt continued her scoring streak with a penalty-kick goal in the 65th minute, extending the lead to 3-1 and earning her fifth point of the match for the third time in her career.
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The Bulldogs attempted to respond with multiple corner kicks and shots, but Bemidji State's defense held strong, maintaining their two-goal advantage to the end of regulation.
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Kropp recorded five saves in a complete game effort, contributing to the Beavers defensive stability. Barthelt scored two goals, including the game-winning goal, and added an assist while leading the team with five shots. Burkstrand added to the team's tally with one goal, converting both of her shot attempts.
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Bemidji State improved to 2-1-0 overall in the non-conference matchup with the Bulldogs (1-1-1, 0-0-0 NSIC). The Beavers will have the rest of the weekend off and returns to Bemidji to prepare for their home opening weekend when they host Southwest Minnesota State University and University of Sioux Falls, Sept. 19 and 21.
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For more information on the Bemidji State soccer program, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaverSoccer), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversSoccer).
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Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
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