JAMESTOWN, N.D. — Bemidji State University Softball (8-29, 2-12) faced a challenging doubleheader against the University of Jamestown (25-14, 6-10) at the Nelson Family Bubble on Saturday, falling 5-1 in the first game and 8-4 in the second.
In game one, the Beavers managed six hits but could not overcome Jamestown's early scoring. The home team took a lead in the first inning when Kasydi Bennett singled to center field, allowing Trinity Gregg to score for a 1-0 advantage. The second inning saw Jamestown extend its lead with four more runs, starting with Amanda Burch's ground-rule double, followed by a triple from Gregg that brought in two more runs. Bennett capped the inning with an RBI single, bringing the score to 5-0.
Despite holding Jamestown scoreless for the remainder of the game, Bemidji State could only muster one run in the final inning.
Maddie Kielsmeier singled to left field, driving in
Maddie Schwab, who was pinch running for
Lauren Beissel. Ultimately, the game ended with a score of 5-1 in favor of Jamestown.
Sydney Klusman took the loss for the Beavers, pitching 1 1/3 innings with five earned runs on five hits, one walk, and one strikeout.
Danica Sarff relieved her, pitching 4 2/3 innings, giving up five hits while striking out three and walking two.
Jackie Larsen had a solid performance with one hit, a walk, and a stolen base, while
Aubrey Aukerman added two hits. Kielsmeier also contributed with a hit and a run batted in.
In game two, the Beavers recorded 11 hits but fell short again, losing 8-4. Jamestown took an early lead once more, with Jorja Hainsworth hitting a single up the middle, bringing in two runs for a 2-0 advantage. They extended their lead to 3-0 in the third inning with a single from Peyton Quam.
Bemidji State responded in the fourth inning when
Alayna DeGraef scored on an error, but Jamestown matched that run, making it 4-1. The Beavers rallied in the fifth inning, as
Kassandra Balabon scored on a single by
Aubrey Aukerman, and
Jackie Larsen came home on a single from
Calleigh Richards, narrowing the gap to 7-3 after Jamestown scored three runs in its half.
In the sixth inning,
Morgan Benedict scored on an error, but Jamestown countered with an RBI double by Kylie Yanzuk, maintaining an 8-4 lead. While Bemidji State held Jamestown scoreless in the seventh, they could not close the gap further.
Tibby Hessian started for the Beavers, pitching 2 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits.
Keira Lucero took over, pitching 3 1/3 innings and surrendering three earned runs on five hits.
Jackie Larsen again led the offense with two hits and a run scored, while
Aubrey Aukerman matched her with two hits, including a double and an RBI.
Calleigh Richards also tallied two hits, contributing with a double and an RBI.
The Beavers' record now stands at 8-29 and 2-12 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Jamestown improves to 25-14 and 6-10 in the conference. Bemidji State will next face Northern State University on Sunday, April 12, at noon in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
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).
