ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Bemidji State University Softball (0-2) faced two challenging matchups at the Kelly Laas Memorial Tournament, narrowly falling to Concordia University, St. Paul (1-0) 5-4 in their season opener, followed by a tougher outing against St. Cloud State University (1-0), where they lost 12-4.
 
In the first game against Concordia-St. Paul, Bemidji State showcased an impressive 10-hit performance. The scoring started early as Jackie Larsen drew a walk, swiped second, and dashed home on Calleigh Richards' single to right field, putting them up 1-0. Bemidji State extended their lead to 2-0 in the fourth inning when Morgan Benedict singled, stole second, and crossed the plate on Jillian Johnson's single. However, CSP rallied in the bottom of the fourth, scoring three runs through a mix of a bunt single, a fielder's choice, and a Bemidji State error, taking the lead 3-2.
 
Bemidji State found their stride again in the sixth inning. Hits by Maddie Kielsmeier and Morgan Benedict set the stage for a sacrifice fly from Alexa Skogquist, tying the game. A second sacrifice fly by Brianna Ness brought Benedict home, putting Bemidji State ahead 4-3. CSP evened things up in the fifth with a fielder's choice that brought in a run, and the score remained locked at 4-4 heading into extra innings. In the eighth, Concordia-St. Paul executed a sacrifice bunt that brought in the decisive run, sealing the game at 5-4 in their favor.
 
In the circle, Danica Sarff pitched 3 1/3 innings, giving up six hits and three earned runs, striking out two and walking two. Sydney Klusman took over for 4 innings, allowing just one hit and one earned run, while walking four and striking out one. Klusman managed to induce nine groundouts.
 
Calleigh Richards made an impact with two hits and an RBI, while Maddie Kielsmeier added two hits and scored once. Morgan Benedict was a force on the bases, scoring twice and stealing two bases. Jillian Johnson recorded four assists, showcasing her skill on the field.
 
In their second game against St. Cloud State, Bemidji State's offense showed flashes of potential with seven hits, including two doubles, but an explosive eight-run third inning by St. Cloud State became the turning point. The Beavers began strong, with Calleigh Richards launching a two-run homer that brought Jackie Larsen home, giving them a 2-1 lead after the first inning. However, the third inning saw St. Cloud State gain control, fueled by Honeycutt's three-run homer and Patnode's two-RBI triple, leaving the Beavers down 9-2.
 
Bemidji State attempted to rally in the fifth inning as DeGraef and Aukerman each singled, setting up Richards for a double down the left-field line that plated two more runs. Despite their efforts, St. Cloud State pushed their lead further with three more runs in the fifth, sealing a 12-4 victory.
 
On the mound, Bemidji State's pitching staff faced difficulties. Keira Lucero pitched 1 1/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on five hits with three walks and one strikeout. Kennedy Joachim went 2 1/3 innings, striking out five but giving up five earned runs on five hits, including a homer and a double. Tibby Hessian made a brief appearance, facing four batters in 1/3 of an inning, yielding two hits and one walk without allowing any runs and striking out one.
 
Calleigh Richards stood out, driving in four RBIs with both a home run and a double against St. Cloud State. Aubrey Aukerman contributed with a hit, a run scored, and a crucial double play on defense. Alayna DeGraef chipped in with a hit, a run, and a successful sacrifice. Jackie Larsen also made her presence felt as the leadoff hitter, collecting a hit and a run.
 
Bemidji State's record now stands at 0-2. They look to bounce back as they prepare to face Southwest Minnesota State University on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m. CT at the Husky Dome in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The Beavers then rematch the Huskies at 2 p.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).