KENOSHA, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Parkside edged past the Bemidji State University Volleyball team in a five-set thriller, 26-24, 19-25, 25-13, 17-25, 15-10, on Saturday in the final match of the 2025 Hampton Inn Invitational at De Simone Arena in Kenosha, Wis. The Beavers' three-match win streak and nine straight set win streak came to an end with the loss.
 
The match featured a strong serving performance from the Rangers, who notched 13 aces compared to the Beavers' seven. Despite Bemidji State's defensive effort with 66 digs, Wis.-Parkside capitalized on key moments to secure the victory.
 
In the opening set, the teams traded points early with both teams finding momentum at different times. The Rangers initially surged with a 5-1 run, aided by several Bemidji State attack errors, to lead 13-7. The Beavers responded with a series of kills from Lily Riese and Ava Athman, closing the gap to 20-19. However, the Rangers maintained their composure, eventually closing out the set 26-24.
 
In the second set, Bemidji State overcame an early deficit to defeat the Rangers 25-19. The Rangers initially surged ahead with a 6-1 run, capitalizing on several attack errors by the Beavers. However, BSU responded with a series of consecutive points, highlighted by Athman's key kills that tied the score at 9-9. The set remained closely contested until Bemidji State pulled away with a decisive 6-0 run, featuring strong defensive blocks from Karley Dunham and Athman, along with a crucial service ace by Ava Boelter at the 18-point mark. The Rangers struggled with errors in the final stretch, allowing Bemidji State to close out the set with a strong finish.
 
In the third set, the Rangers took control early with a series of Bemidji State errors, gaining a 5-1 lead with back-to-back aces from Maia Olson. Bemidji State responded with a kill from Grace Hoffard, but the Rangers maintained their advantage, extending the lead to 10-5 after another pair of service aces by Natalie Harris. The home team continued to capitalize on Bemidji State's mistakes, with Irvin and Olson both contributing key kills to push the score to 17-8. Despite a late kill by Katrina Thompson for Bemidji State, the Rangers sealed the set with a decisive kill from Alms, winning 25-13.
 
Bemidji State began the fourth set with a strong showing, overcoming an initial one-point deficit to take a 4-2 lead, highlighted by a kill from Riese. A pivotal moment came when Boelter delivered back-to-back service aces, propelling the Beavers to a three-point advantage. Despite a brief run by the Rangers, cutting the lead to 15-13, Bemidji State responded decisively with a series of plays, including a kill by Dunham, extending their lead to 22-17. Nevaeh Carlson's kill brought Bemidji State to match point, and a subsequent attack error by Alms sealed the set 25-17 for the Beavers.
 
The fifth set between Bemidji State and the Rangers featured a series of momentum shifts, ultimately resulting in a 15-10 victory for the Rangers. Bemidji State initially took the lead with a point off an attack error by Irvin, but the Rangers quickly equalized with a kill from Olson. Consecutive points from the Rangers, including a service ace by Russ, helped them edge ahead. Bemidji State managed to keep pace, tying the score multiple times, highlighted by Carlson's kill. However, the Rangers capitalized on Bemidji State's attack errors and strong play from Irvin, who recorded key kills to extend their lead. Despite a kill from Riese, the Rangers maintained control, sealing the set with a decisive block by Mariena Coon and Irvin, followed by a Bemidji State service error, concluding the match at 15-10.
 
Kylie Struble led the defensive effort for the Beavers with 23 digs and added seven assists. Athman contributed significantly to the attack, posting 13 kills and finishing with 14 points. Dunham excelled at the net, recording six block assists and adding three kills. Madison Tripp facilitated the offense effectively, delivering 28 assists and collecting 12 digs.
 
Bemidji State holds a 3-5 overall record while the Rangers maintain an undefeated 6-0 overall record.
 
Looking ahead, the Beavers open Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play by hosting Southwest Minnesota State University Friday, Sept. 19. The match will take place at 6 p.m. at BSU Gymnasium in Bemidji, Minn. The Beavers then host University of Sioux Falls the following day at 4 p.;m.m
 
For more information on the Bemidji State volleyball program tickets or schedules visit BSUBeavers.com. Be sure to follow the Beavers on their social media channels on X, Instagram or like them on Facebook.
 
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).
 
--bsu—