ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Bemidji State University Softball faced a challenging day on Saturday, suffering two defeats at the Husky Dome. The Beavers fell 7-1 to Southwest Minnesota State University and then 9-1 to St. Cloud State University, bringing their overall record to 0-4.
In the first game against Southwest Minnesota State (3-1), Bemidji State managed four hits and two stolen bases but struggled as the Mustangs jumped to a quick lead with a four-run first inning. E. Humpal's triple brought in two runs, and J. Marsh followed with a two-run homer, putting SMSU ahead 4-0. The Beavers responded when
Jackie Larsen reached base on an error and later scored on an RBI single from
Aubrey Aukerman, closing the gap to 4-1 after one inning.
The second inning was a defensive battle, with both teams held scoreless. SMSU managed to extend their lead in the third inning when E. Humpal reached on another error and scored on a groundout, making it 5-1. Bemidji State had opportunities in the bottom half but couldn't capitalize. The Mustangs added two more runs in the fifth with a two-RBI single from G. Anderson, bringing the final score to 7-1.
Starting pitcher
Kennedy Joachim allowed four earned runs on three hits in just one-third of an inning.
Danica Sarff pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up three runs (two earned) and striking out four.
Keira Lucero finished strong, throwing 2 1/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts.
Jackie Larsen led offensively with a run and a stolen base, while Aukerman contributed a hit, an RBI, and a stolen base.
In the second game against St. Cloud State (3-0), the Beavers faced another tough outing, committing four errors that allowed the Huskies to score nine runs on 12 hits. St. Cloud State quickly jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first inning due to a single by Frechette, which brought home Roe and Honeycutt, followed by Dahmen's triple. Bemidji State finally got on the board in the third inning when
Avery Amidon executed a daring steal of home after hitting a single. However, the Huskies responded with five more runs in the same inning, extending their lead to 8-1.
Despite a stronger defensive performance in the fourth and fifth innings, where Bemidji State held St. Cloud State scoreless, the Huskies added one final run in the sixth to secure a 9-1 victory.
Sydney Klusman started for the Beavers, allowing six runs (one earned) over two innings, while
Keira Lucero pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing three runs (one earned) and striking out three.
Alayna DeGraef stood out offensively with two hits and a walk, while Amidon scored a run and added a hit and a stolen base.
Jackie Larsen also contributed with a hit and a stolen base, despite being caught once.
Next up, Bemidji State will take on Ferris State University on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 9 a.m. at the Rosemont Dome in Rosemont, Illinois.
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).
