BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University Volleyball fell in three sets to No. 6 Southwest Minnesota State University Friday evening in Bemidji. This was the first game of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference schedule.
 
Bemidji State started the first set with momentum, as Lily Riese delivered two early kills, both assisted by Madison Tripp, putting the home team ahead 2-0. However, the Mustangs quickly countered, capitalizing on a series of attack errors by the home team and stringing together a 5-0 run to shift the score to 8-6 in their favor. Despite the Beavers' efforts to close the gap with notable kills from Ava Athman and Nevaeh Carlson, the Mustangs maintained their lead, eventually securing the set 25-18 after a decisive attack error ended the set.
 
The second set began with Bemidji State capitalizing on a service error by Southwest Minnesota State to take an early lead. Athman proved instrumental, recording multiple kills to keep Bemidji State competitive. Tripp's service ace and subsequent kill narrowed the gap to 13-12, but a series of service aces and kills by the Mustangs extended their lead. Despite Carlson's two timely kills from assists by Tripp, Bemidji State fell short as the visitors closed the set with a 25-19 advantage.
 
In the third set, Bemidji State fought valiantly against Southwest Minnesota State but ultimately fell short in a tightly contested set. The set featured several notable contributions from Bemidji State players, including Carlson's impactful kills at critical moments, assisting the team in keeping pace early on. Athman and Riese also found success in breaking through the Mustangs' defense, with Athman's kill at 19-15 and Riese's subsequent point narrowing the gap. Despite these efforts, the Mustangs managed a late surge, closing the set with a 25-18 victory, aided by two consecutive service aces from Paige Steinmetz to seal the set.
 
Athman led Bemidji State's offense with 10 kills on 23 attempts, accumulating 10.5 points. Tripp contributed significantly by setting up 17 assists and adding one ace to her performance. Riese added 13 kills and five digs, providing a balanced effort on both offense and defense. Carlson bolstered the team's defensive front with three blocks while also recording nine kills.
 
Bemidji State holds a 3-6 overall record and is 0-1 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play. Southwest Minnesota State remains unbeaten at 8-0 overall and 1-0 in NSIC competition.
 
Looking ahead, the Beavers will face Sioux Falls at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. The match is available for streaming on the NSIC Network. 
 
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).