ROSEMONT, Ill. — Bemidji State University Softball (2-8) faced a challenging matchup against Upper Iowa (3-14) and notched an impressive victory over Lewis (2-6) during the Lewis Dome Invitational on Saturday at the Rosemont Dome.
In the first game, Bemidji State fell to Upper Iowa, culminating in a 9-2 defeat. Despite the Beavers tallying five hits and two stolen bases, Upper Iowa's explosive five-run first inning set an early precedent. The Peacocks jumped ahead in the first inning, scoring five runs with two-RBI singles from Tautges and Pomeroy, and an RBI triple by Farnam, leaving Bemidji State trailing 5-0 after the first inning.
Bemidji State responded in the third inning.
Jillian Johnson singled to center, followed by a strategic bunt single from
Kassandra Balabon.
Calleigh Richards reached on a fielder's choice, advancing Balabon.
Alayna DeGraef's single to right field brought Balabon home, narrowing the gap to 5-1. The Beavers added another run in the fifth inning when Balabon singled and stole second, positioning herself for Richards' reach on an error that advanced her to third.
Jackie Larsen's sacrifice bunt allowed Balabon to score, cutting Upper Iowa's lead to 5-2.
However, Upper Iowa pulled away in the sixth inning, benefiting from a Bemidji State fielding error that led to four unearned runs. Foral contributed a two-RBI single, and additional runs scored on another error, finalizing the score at 9-2.
Keira Lucero faced difficulties, pitching just 1/3 of an inning and allowing five earned runs on four hits and a walk.
Danica Sarff offered stability in relief, pitching 5 2/3 innings and surrendering four unearned runs on four hits, while striking out six and walking five.
Balabon's standout performance included scoring two runs and securing two hits, bolstering the team's offense. DeGraef added an RBI with a hit, contributing at the plate, while
Lauren Beissel made her mark with a defensive assist and a hit during her at-bat.
In the second game, Bemidji State bounced back with a 7-2 win over Lewis. The Beavers capitalized on Lewis' five fielding errors and tallied nine hits, including four doubles, to secure the victory. Bemidji State got off to a flying start in the first inning, with
Jackie Larsen singling to center field and
Alayna DeGraef doubling to right field.
Morgan Benedict then doubled to center, bringing home Larsen and DeGraef for an early two-run advantage. Lewis answered back in the bottom half with two runs, leaving the game knotted at 2-2 after one inning.
The Beavers regained the lead in the second inning when
Brianna Ness scored on an error after reaching third through a series of walks, putting the team up 3-2. The third inning featured
Alexa Skogquist doubling to left center and later crossing the plate on a single by Ness, pushing the lead to 4-2. Bemidji State continued to extend its lead in the fourth inning, with Larsen singling, advancing to third on an error, and scoring on a single by DeGraef, making it 5-2. In the fifth inning, the Beavers took advantage of further defensive missteps by Lewis.
Aubrey Aukerman scored on an error, and
Jillian Johnson crossed home on a ground-rule double by
Calleigh Richards, boosting the lead to 7-2.
On the mound, Bemidji State's pitching lineup included
Tibby Hessian and
Sydney Klusman. Hessian started the game, pitching 1/3 of an inning and allowing two earned runs on one hit while walking three batters. Klusman delivered a stellar relief performance, pitching 6 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out one batter.
Alayna DeGraef shone with three hits, including a double, and drove in one run. Larsen scored twice and notched two hits while covering center field. Benedict contributed two RBIs with her double, and Ness added a run and an RBI, also drawing a walk during the contest.
The Beavers' record now stands at 2-8 following their split on the day. Up next, Bemidji State will face Newman University on Friday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. at the Mid-America Sports Complex in Shawnee, Kansas for game one of the Top Gun Midwest College Classic.
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).
