ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Bemidji State University Women's Soccer team was held scoreless by (RV) Missouri Western State University Friday night falling 2-0 to the Griffons in their season-opening, non-conference match in St. Joseph, Mo.
 
The Griffons (1-0, 0-0 MIAA) scored in the 18^th and 68^th minutes to power themselves to a 1-0 start to the season while the Beavers (0-1, 0-0 NSIC) open the season with a loss. Missouri Western controlled the ball most of the match totaling 15 shots, nine on goal, compared to just three (one on goal) by the Beavers.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Payton Kropp made her collegiate debut in the first match of the season for the Beavers making seven saves.
 
The Griffons got an early start to the game scoring in the first half from a goal from Rachyl Benavides. Kropp made three saves in the half to keep the Griffons' lead to one entering the second half of play. Missouri Western eventually increased their lead to two in the 68^th minute when Maddy Harmon scored her first of the season.
 
BSU's best chance in the match came in the 85^th minute when Kenzie Harer recorded the Beavers' first shot on goal.
 
Bemidji State was led by Emma Huelsnitz, Julia Freed and Payton Kropp who each played 90 minutes in the match while Katrina Barthelt followed with 83.
 
Kropp and fellow freshman Molly Burkstrand each made their collegiate debuts in the match.
 
The Beavers continue play in Missouri and will now travel to Maryville, Mo., to face Northwest Missouri State University Sunday. Kick-off between the Beavers and Wildcats is slated for 11 a.m.
 
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).
 
--bsu--