ROSEMONT, Ill. — Bemidji State University Softball faced a tough outing against Roosevelt University, falling 4-0 on Friday, which keeps the Beavers searching for their first win at 0-7 this season. Bemidji State managed just three hits, while Roosevelt, now sitting at 3-2, made the most of eight hits and four walks to secure their victory.
 
Roosevelt's Sullivan crossed home in the first inning thanks to a double by Robien, putting the visitors up early with a 1-0 lead. Bemidji State had opportunities with runners in scoring position in their half but couldn't convert, keeping the score at 1-0 after the first.
 
The fifth inning saw Roosevelt widen the gap. Cornelius scored unearned on a fielder's choice, followed by Enriquez's double down the right field line that brought in two more runs, pushing their lead to 4-0. Bemidji State managed a single in their half of the inning but remained scoreless, holding the score at 4-0 after five.
 
Despite Jackie Larsen's double in the sixth inning, the Beavers left three runners stranded and couldn't mount a comeback, concluding the game with a 4-0 defeat to Roosevelt.
 
Keira Lucero took to the mound for 4 1/3 innings, giving up four runs on seven hits, including two doubles, while striking out three and issuing four walks. Lucero threw a total of 87 pitches, with 48 landing as strikes, against 26 batters. Danica Sarff stepped in for relief, delivering 2 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and one walk, while striking out two. Sarff displayed excellent control with a WHIP of 0.91, tossing 21 strikes out of 29 pitches.
 
Larsen stood out with a double and a sacrifice hit in two at-bats, showing her prowess at the plate. Calleigh Richards anchored the defense with four assists at third base, proving to be a reliable force on the field.
 
In their next game at the Lewis Dome Invitational, Bemidji State clawed back to edge out Hillsdale College with a thrilling 4-3 victory. The Beavers sealed the win with a late-game surge, scoring twice in both the sixth and seventh innings.
 
In a tightly contested matchup, Hillsdale drew first blood in the opening inning when Lewis scored on Chellman's sacrifice fly, putting Bemidji State in an early 1-0 hole. The Beavers struggled to capitalize on their limited chances through the second and third innings.
 
The Chargers extended their lead in the fourth with a two-run homer by Hagle, bringing Stripp across the plate and giving Hillsdale a 3-0 cushion. Bemidji State finally broke through in the sixth inning. Jackie Larsen singled, followed by a hit from Alayna DeGraef. Alexa Skogquist then came through with a clutch hit, driving in both runners and narrowing the gap to 3-2. Defensively, Larsen shone with a season-high 5 putouts.
 
The seventh inning was where the Beavers completed their comeback. Jillian Johnson kicked things off with a double, and Kassandra Balabon followed with a single. Calleigh Richards drew a walk to load the bases. DeGraef then singled to bring in Balabon, knotting the score. Morgan Benedict's base hit delivered Richards home for the decisive run. Bemidji State held their ground in the top of the inning to clinch a 4-3 victory.
 
Sydney Klusman pitched 3 innings, allowing 3 earned runs on 6 hits, including a homer, while striking out 2 and issuing 1 walk. Tibby Hessian came in for relief, delivering 4 scoreless innings, conceding 4 hits and 3 walks, while inducing 6 fly outs and 5 ground outs. Hessian's stellar performance, earning the win with a WHIP of 1.75, marked her first pitching victory in her BSU career.
 
Larsen contributed two hits and a run, along with an assist in center field. DeGraef added two hits and an RBI, driving in a crucial run with the bases loaded. Skogquist wrapped up with two RBIs and one hit in four at-bats, a key factor in the Beavers' run production.
 
Bemidji State currently holds an overall record of 1-7, while the Chargers sit at 2-4. Next up, Bemidji State will take on Upper Iowa University on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Rosemont Dome in Rosemont, Illinois, with the first pitch scheduled for 9 a.m.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Softball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversSB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversSB).
 
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).