SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Bemidji State University Softball (6-19, 0-2 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) faced a challenging doubleheader against Augustana University (8-14, 2-0 NSIC) at Bowden Field, suffering a narrow 3-2 loss in game one and a tougher 12-4 setback in game two.
In the first game, Bemidji State narrowly fell to Augustana with a final score of 3-2. Despite recording nine hits, Bemidji State couldn't overcome Augustana's steadfast pitching in the closing innings. Augustana jumped to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning off a wild pitch and an RBI single, setting the score at 2-0. Bemidji State answered back in the third inning when
Jackie Larsen crossed home plate thanks to an RBI single by
Alayna DeGraef, trimming the deficit to 2-1.
In the fourth inning, Bemidji State evened the score as
Jillian Johnson touched home on a single by Larsen, bringing the game to a 2-2 stalemate. However, Augustana reclaimed the lead in the sixth inning with a solo home run by Wynja, making it 3-2. Bemidji State couldn't break through in the final inning, concluding the game with a narrow 3-2 loss to Augustana.
Danica Sarff took the mound for five innings, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits, striking out 1, and issuing 3 walks.
Keira Lucero came in for relief, pitching 2 innings, allowing 2 hits and no runs, with no walks or strikeouts. Larsen spearheaded Bemidji State's offense with three hits and one RBI, while DeGraef chipped in with a hit and an RBI.
Aubrey Aukerman contributed two hits, including a double.
The second game saw Bemidji State face a tougher matchup, concluding in a 12-4 loss. Augustana again jumped ahead early, scoring two runs in the first inning with Kelsey Lubovich's single bringing home Courtney Wynja, followed by Shannon Smart's triple that drove in Lubovich, putting Augustana up 2-0. Bemidji State answered back in the bottom of the second, as
Jackie Larsen's single drove in
Avery Amidon and
Jillian Johnson, leveling the score at 2-2.
Both teams added two runs in the third inning; for Bemidji State,
Lauren Beissel's single plated
Alayna DeGraef and
Brianna Ness, knotting the score at 4-4. However, Augustana broke the tie in the fourth inning with a five-run surge, bringing the score to 9-4. In the fifth, Augustana widened the lead with three additional runs, sealing the final score at 12-4.
Keira Lucero took the mound for 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits and four earned runs.
Tibby Hessian relieved her, pitching 1/3 inning and giving up three hits and four earned runs.
Sydney Klusman pitched one inning, allowing five hits and four earned runs. Larsen recorded two RBIs on her only hit of the game, while Beissel added two RBIs with her timely single. Ness contributed a run and a stolen base, and DeGraef reached base twice on walks and scored a run.
Bemidji State now holds an overall record of 6-19 and is 0-2 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Augustana stands at 8-14 with a 2-0 mark in the conference. Looking ahead, Bemidji State will travel to Wayne State College on Saturday, March 21, at noon and 2 p.m. in Wayne, Neb.
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).
