SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Bemidji State University Women's Basketball (8-11, 5-10 NSIC) fell to Augustana University (8-13, 5-10 NSIC), 65-59, on Friday, despite leading by two points at halftime. The Beavers knocked down 10 three-pointers but were outpaced 42-22 in paint points by the Vikings.
 
Bemidji State opened the first quarter with a strong performance, capitalizing on turnovers and hitting three 3-pointers to take an early lead. Kassandra Caron initiated the scoring with a layup assisted by Gabrielle Fineday, setting the tone for the quarter. The team continued to build momentum with a 3-pointer by Evyn Eppinga, extending their advantage to six points at one stage.
 
Despite Augustana's efforts to close the gap, the Beavers' defense held strong, forcing four turnovers and converting them into seven points. Eppinga was pivotal, contributing both defensively with a steal and offensively with another 3-pointer. The quarter ended with Bemidji maintaining a narrow 17-15 lead, setting up a competitive contest moving forward.
 
Bemidji State began the second quarter with a strong performance, highlighted by Ashlynne Guenther's three-pointer at the 8-minute mark, assisted by Fineday, giving them a 22–17 lead. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Beth Bolte recording a steal during this stretch. Despite the Vikings' efforts to close the gap with points in the paint, Tieryn Plasch responded with a three-pointer at 4:05, extending the lead to 28–23.
 
Bemidji State continued to apply pressure, with Fineday adding a layup at 2:23 after an assist from Plasch. The quarter concluded with both teams exchanging baskets, but the Beavers maintained a slight edge, leading 30–27 at the end of the second quarter.
 
Bemidji State began the third quarter with a narrow lead, but the Vikings quickly responded with a layup by Isabella Sanneh to take the lead early. The Beavers then regained momentum with two free throws from Plasch and a layup from Lindsey Weiler, maintaining a slight edge. Fineday contributed with a crucial 3-pointer to extend Bemidji's lead temporarily.
 
However, Augustana countered, eventually pulling ahead with a series of successful inside plays and free throws, including a layup by Mia Donald. Despite Bemidji closing the gap in the final seconds with three free throws by Fineday, Augustana held a lead of 45–42 at the end of the quarter.
 
Bemidji State's fourth quarter began with a tight contest as they quickly responded to an early layup by the Vikings with Weiler's tip-in under the basket. Trailing by three, Guenther secured a defensive rebound, leading to a critical 3-pointer by Eppinga at the 7:37 mark, closing the gap to one point.
 
Midway through the quarter, Plasch played a pivotal role, scoring a layup followed by a 3-pointer, briefly giving Bemidji the lead. Despite this surge, Augustana's Maliyah Elliott and Sanneh capitalized on key opportunities to regain the advantage.
 
In the closing moments, Bemidji State struggled to maintain their lead as Augustana pulled ahead with free throws. The quarter ended with Augustana leading 65-59, after Bemidji's last attempt to narrow the margin fell short.
 
Plasch scored 25 points, converting 9 of 14 field goal attempts, including five 3-pointers. Eppinga added 11 points and made three 3-point shots. Fineday contributed eight points and recorded four assists. Bolte tallied three steals and collected four rebounds.
 
The Beavers hold an overall record of 8-11 and are 5-10 in NSIC play. The Vikings stand at 8-13 overall with a 5-10 mark in NSIC competition. In their next game, Bemidji State will travel to face Wayne State College on Saturday, Jan. 31. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. in Wayne, Nebraska.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State women's basketball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversWBB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversWBB).
 
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 Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).