BEMIDJI, Minn. – University of Sioux Falls defeated the Bemidji State University Volleyball team in four sets on Saturday at BSU Gymnasium, winning 25-20, 17-25, 25-22, 25-22. USF registered 11 service aces, overcoming Bemidji State's strong second-set performance. The match featured a close fourth set, with the Cougars securing the victory through a late surge.
 
In the first set, USF started strong with Van Eck delivering a service ace at the outset, quickly followed by a kill from Walker, giving them an early 2-0 lead. Bemidji State responded with a couple of kills from Riese and Karley Dunham, leveling the score at 2-2. Midway through the set, USF capitalized on a series of Bemidji errors, extending their lead to 16-9 with a run that included a kill by Courtney Holsteen. Bemidji State attempted a late rally with Athman contributing multiple kills and a service ace, narrowing the gap to 23-19. However, USF maintained their composure, with Walker closing the set at 25-20 with a decisive kill.
 
Bemidji State secured a decisive victory in the second set, concluding with a 25-17 score. The set started with USF taking an early 3-1 lead, highlighted by a service ace from Gretchen Volk. However, Bemidji State responded with a strong rally, led by Struble's back-to-back service aces, to take a 6-3 lead. USF attempted to regain momentum with a series of service aces by Haley Wolfe, but Bemidji State maintained control. Jada Wlodarczyk's service ace and Katrina Thompson's kill helped extend the home team's lead to 16-12. Athman's consistent performance, including multiple kills, played a crucial role in Bemidji State's 25-17 win, cementing their dominance in the set.
 
In the third set, USF opened with a strong 4-0 run, highlighted by Walker's kill and a service ace from Volk at 4-0. Bemidji State responded with a series of plays, narrowing the gap to 5-5 through a kill by Riese and attack errors by USF. However, USF regained momentum with a 5-1 run, including a service ace from Voss and a kill by Wolfe, bringing the score to 10-6. Bemidji State fought back with Carlson and Athman contributing kills to pull even at 12-12. Despite a late push from Bemidji State, USF secured the set 25-22 with a late 4-point streak capped by a service ace from Gillen.
 
In the fourth set, USF managed to edge out Bemidji State with a final score of 25-22. Bemidji State initially gained momentum with a 6-3 lead, assisted by a series of effective plays, including a kill by Dunham and a block by Dunham and Riese. However, USF quickly responded, leveling the score at 9-9 after a series of Bemidji State attack errors. With the score tied at 17-17, USF executed a decisive run, capitalizing on an attack error and a service ace from Volk to gain a slight edge. Despite Bemidji State's attempts to regain control, including a kill by Carlson, USF maintained their lead, ending the set with a service ace by Voss to secure the set at 25-22.
 
Athman led the team with 14 kills and two service aces, accumulating 16 total points. Struble contributed significantly with 12 digs and three service aces. Tripp facilitated the offense with 21 assists while also adding 10 digs. Riese posted 13 kills and contributed three block assists.
 
Bemidji State holds a record of 3-7 overall and 0-2 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play. Sioux Falls has a 6-4 overall record and is 1-1 in NSIC competition.
 
The next challenge for Bemidji State takes them on the road to face University of Minnesota Duluth Tuesday, Sept. 23. First serve is at 6 p.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).
 
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