SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Bemidji State University Softball faced a tough matchup on Sunday, falling to the University of Sioux Falls in a doubleheader at Sanford Diamonds, losing 6-0 in the first game and 8-0 in the second.
 
In game one, the Beavers trailed early as Sioux Falls took control in the second inning. A three-run double to left center by Jochimsen brought in Kristof, Ribich, and Heule, putting Sioux Falls ahead 3-0 by the end of the inning. Sioux Falls continued to build their lead in the third inning, tacking on another run via a walk to make it 4-0. In the fourth, Jochimsen struck again with an RBI single, extending the lead to 5-0. Bemidji State's defense held strong in the fifth inning, keeping Sioux Falls scoreless, but Sioux Falls found their way back on the board in the sixth with a single by Suhai, sealing the 6-0 final score.
 
Danica Sarff took the circle for 3 2/3 innings, giving up five runs on five hits, striking out two, and walking four. She faced 19 batters and yielded three doubles. Sydney Klusman came in for relief, pitching 2 1/3 innings, allowing one run on five hits without issuing walks or recording strikeouts. Klusman faced 12 batters, inducing five groundouts and two flyouts.
 
At the plate, Alayna DeGraef had a hit and a walk, including a double. Avery Amidon paced the offense with two hits in three at-bats. Calleigh Richards chipped in with a hit and reached base twice, drawing a walk. Aubrey Aukerman stood out defensively with three assists and also added a hit.
 
In game two, Bemidji State encountered another tough outing, struggling offensively and tallying only three hits. Sioux Falls capitalized on 12 hits, including a pivotal five-run surge in the third inning to secure their victory. The game kicked off with Bemidji State facing a quiet first inning, save for an Aubrey Aukerman single. Sioux Falls quickly countered, posting three runs off hits from Kristof, Knudtson, and Pryor, giving them an early 3-0 advantage by the end of the first.
 
In the third inning, Bemidji State's bats remained silent, while Sioux Falls expanded their lead. Suhai's single set the stage for a scoring spree, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Radish and a two-RBI single by Jochimsen, pushing the Cougars' lead to 8-0. The Beavers found a spark in the fourth when Lauren Beissel doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch, but ultimately left two runners stranded. Sioux Falls held the line, maintaining their 8-0 lead through the inning. The contest wrapped up after five innings with Sioux Falls securing the win over Bemidji State.
 
Tibby Hessian started on the mound for the Beavers, pitching 2 1/3 innings while allowing nine hits and six earned runs, with no walks or strikeouts. Sydney Klusman relieved, pitching 1/3 inning, allowing three hits and two earned runs, and issued one walk. Brianna Ness provided 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, surrendering no hits and issuing one walk.
 
Offensively in game two, Aubrey Aukerman recorded a hit and contributed defensively with two assists at second base. Lauren Beissel's double marked the team's sole extra-base hit. Jenna Burd also reached base with a hit and threw out a runner from behind the plate.
 
Bemidji State's overall record stands at 6-25, with a 0-8 mark in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Sioux Falls, boasting a 19-14 record, holds a 7-1 conference record and ranks second in the standings. 
 
Next up, Bemidji State will host Minot State University at Chet Anderson Stadium in Bemidji, Minnesota for the Beavers' home opener. The double header is scheduled for Friday, April 3, at 1 p.m. and 3 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).