WAYNE, Neb. — Wayne State College secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Bemidji State University Women's Soccer team Sunday at WSC Soccer Complex in Wayne, Neb. The decisive goal came in the first half and proved enough despite Bemidji State outshooting the Wildcats 20-6 overall.
 
The match started with goalkeepers Rozlyn Buettner and Alexa Hofstetter guarding their respective nets. Bemidji State applied early pressure, with Madisen Fritel's shot saved by Hofstetter at 2:33. Katrina Barthelt continued the Beavers' offensive efforts, taking two shots in quick succession, one saved and the other off-target. Wayne State countered as Abby Evers scored the only goal of the period, assisted by Rachel Davis, at 40:16, giving them a 1-0 lead. The period concluded with Bemidji State trailing by one goal after Marielle Wright's shot went wide left at 44:38.
 
Bemidji State applied relentless pressure during the second half, with Barthelt leading the charge by attempting multiple shots. Although Bemidji State registered 13 shots, the Wildcats' goalkeeper Hofstetter made several crucial saves, including a bottom-left save on a shot by Sydney Sutherland at the 55th minute and another from Barthelt at the 70th minute. Despite Bemidji State's persistent offensive efforts, Wayne State maintained their defensive stand, and the period concluded without any changes to the scoreline. The Wildcats managed their only notable shot late in the half, with Morgan Mancuso's attempt going wide at the 84th minute. The match ended with Wayne State holding onto their 1-0 lead from the first half.
 
Barthelt led Bemidji State with 11 shots, including five on goal. Sutherland contributed three shots, all of which were on goal. Payton Kropp played a full 90 minutes in goal, facing six shots and conceding one goal. Fritel added one shot on goal in her efforts on the field.
 
Bemidji State suffers their first loss in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play and is now 4-2-1 overall and 2-1-1 in conference play. The Wildcats remain unbeaten at 4-0-3 overall and 3-0-1 in conference standings.
 
The Beavers now return home to host University of Mary and Minot State University Oct. 3 and 5 at Chet Anderson Stadium.
 
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).
 
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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