SHAWNEE, Kan. — Bemidji State University Softball (3-9) took down Newman University (3-6) with a commanding 10-3 win before facing off against (RV) Washburn University (19-4), ending with a 9-3 loss on day one of the Top Gun Midwest College Classic 
 
Earlier in the tournament against Newman, the Beavers started strong in the first inning when Calleigh Richards singled to center, driving in Alayna DeGraef, who had advanced after a sacrifice bunt, giving Bemidji State a 1-0 lead. In the second inning, Jillian Johnson showcased her speed by stealing home after reaching on a walk and advancing on a passed ball, upping the score to 2-0.
 
Alexa Skogquist made a memorable mark in the third inning with her first collegiate home run, a solo shot that extended the Beavers' lead to 3-0. The fourth inning was a powerhouse display for Bemidji State, highlighted by Richards' 3-run homer and DeGraef's 2-RBI single, stretching the lead to 8-2 despite Newman's two runs. DeGraef continued her stellar performance in the fifth with a 2-run homer, sealing the score at 10-3. She set a new single-game program record with eight total bases and five hits. The Beavers' defense held firm through the final innings, keeping Newman scoreless and clinching the victory.
 
On the mound, Danica Sarff pitched four innings, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out five and walking five. Sarff's effective outing included six ground outs and one fly out, with leadoff batters reaching base twice but failing to score. Keira Lucero came in for relief, pitching three innings and giving up one run on four hits, contributing to a double play and holding the opposition scoreless in the sixth and seventh innings. Sarff earned the win, pitching four innings with five strikeouts and allowing two earned runs on two hits.
 
Alayna DeGraef shone bright with a five-hit game, including a home run and four RBIs. Calleigh Richards added a home run and four RBIs on two hits, while Alexa Skogquist contributed with a home run and a double, finishing with two hits and one RBI.
 
In the game against Washburn, despite Bemidji State's 10 hits, including a pair of doubles, it was Washburn's explosive fifth inning that made the difference, scoring five runs. Washburn jumped ahead in the second inning when a pinch runner scored off Sais's single, putting them up 1-0. The third inning saw Washburn stretch the lead with Anderson's solo home run, bringing the score to 2-0.
 
Bemidji State countered in the fourth inning. Aubrey Aukerman doubled to right, setting the stage for Jillian Johnson's RBI single. Avery Amidon reached on an error, allowing two unearned runs to cross the plate on Alayna DeGraef's single, giving Bemidji State a 3-2 edge. However, Washburn reclaimed control in the fifth with a barrage of hits and an error, highlighted by Burgardt's home run, to lead 7-3. Washburn tacked on two more runs in the sixth, extending their advantage to 9-3. Despite some hits in the seventh, Bemidji State couldn't close the gap, leaving the final at 9-3 in favor of Washburn.
 
On the mound for Bemidji State, Sydney Klusman pitched 4 2/3 innings, yielding 12 hits and seven runs, including two homers, while striking out four. Klusman threw 105 pitches, 66 of which were strikes, finishing with a WHIP of 3.57. Tibby Hessian followed with an inning, allowing three hits and two runs, striking out one, with a WHIP of 3.00. Keira Lucero closed the game, pitching 1 1/3 innings without giving up a hit or run, issuing two walks with a WHIP of 1.82.
 
Alayna DeGraef was a standout with two hits and two RBIs. Calleigh Richards added four assists and a double. Jillian Johnson contributed a run and an RBI with her hit. Aubrey Aukerman scored once and hit a double among her two hits. Bemidji State's record stands at 3-9, while Washburn is at 19-4.
 
Up next, the Beavers will host Missouri Western State University on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 12:15 p.m. CT at the Mid-America Sports Complex in Shawnee, Kansas. 
 
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).