VIERA, Fla. — Bemidji State University Softball (6-17) faced a tough challenge on Wednesday, falling 4-1 to Malone University (7-4) and later losing 3-0 to No. 11 University of Indianapolis (18-1) at the Space Coast Complex in Viera, Fla.
In the first game against Malone, the Beavers managed to tally five hits, including a double, but couldn't convert those opportunities, leaving six runners stranded. Bemidji State came out swinging in the first inning.
Jackie Larsen got things rolling with a single up the middle and swiftly stole second.
Alayna DeGraef followed with a clutch single to center field, bringing Larsen home and giving the Beavers an early 1-0 lead.
Malone evened the score in the fifth when Crookston launched a homer to center field, knotting things up at 1-1. The seventh inning saw Malone take the reins. Pireu's double down the left field line set the stage, with Crookston doubling him in. Conti chipped in with an RBI single, and Baker's sacrifice fly added another, putting Malone ahead 4-1. With that, Malone secured the victory over the Beavers, holding the lead at 4-1.
Keira Lucero delivered 6 1/3 innings for the Beavers, yielding nine hits and four earned runs. She struck out three and walked two across 98 pitches, 58 of which were strikes.
Danica Sarff came in for relief, pitching 2/3 of an inning without allowing a hit or run, striking out one and walking one, skillfully stranding two inherited runners. Larsen shined with two hits, a run, and a stolen base, while DeGraef added an RBI with her timely single.
Aubrey Aukerman contributed with a double.
In their second matchup of the day against the University of Indianapolis, Bemidji State struggled against a dominant pitching performance, managing just two hits. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams locked in a scoreless tie through six innings, showcasing strong pitching and defensive play. In the seventh inning, UIndy managed to break the stalemate. Cara Cooper walked and moved to second on a passed ball. Cheyenne Eads singled to advance Cooper to third and then stole second. Emma Piercy walked, loading the bases, setting up Christina Stankus, who singled through the right side, driving in two unearned runs. An additional unearned run came in on a groundout by Maya Rodriquez, putting Indianapolis up 3-0.
In Bemidji State's last chance at bat in the seventh inning,
Brianna Ness,
Maddie Schwab, and
Jenna Burd were retired in order, sealing the 3-0 victory for the University of Indianapolis.
Tibby Hessian put in a solid performance on the mound, pitching six innings and allowing only four hits and three unearned runs. She issued seven walks and struck out four, throwing 116 pitches with 58 strikes, adeptly handling multiple scoring threats without allowing an earned run.
Sydney Klusman relieved in the seventh inning, pitching one frame, giving up one hit, and striking out one, delivering eight strikes out of 13 pitches.
Alayna DeGraef was a bright spot for Bemidji State in both games, going two-for-two and being hit by a pitch in the second game, reaching base in every plate appearance.
Next up for the Beavers is the start of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play against Augustana University on Saturday, March 21, at 1 p.m. CT, at home, weather permitting.
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).
