ABERDEEN, S.D. — Bemidji State University Softball (9-30, 3-13 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) split their doubleheader against Northern State University (14-20, 6-12 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) at Koehler HoF Field on Sunday, first losing 8-5 and then bouncing back to secure a 2-1 victory.
 
In the first game, Bemidji State began with momentum, scoring twice in the first inning. Jackie Larsen walked and advanced on a single by Aubrey Aukerman. After a wild pitch, Aukerman scored on a sacrifice fly by Calleigh Richards. Alayna DeGraef then scored on a double by Lauren Beissel, bringing the score to 2-0 after the first inning. However, the third inning saw Northern State respond dramatically, scoring eight runs, including a triple from Owens, to take an 8-3 lead. Bemidji State managed to reduce the deficit in the sixth inning with a run scored by Kassandra Balabon, followed by another run from DeGraef, ending the game at 8-5 in favor of Northern State.
 
Keira Lucero started on the mound for Bemidji State, throwing 2 1/3 innings and allowing six runs on five hits, with one strikeout and one walk. Danica Sarff came in as relief, pitching 3 2/3 innings, giving up two runs—one earned—on five hits, while striking out one and walking two. Lauren Beissel led the offense with three hits, including a double, and drove in one run. Alayna DeGraef contributed one hit, scored once, and added an RBI. Jackie Larsen collected two hits and scored one run while drawing a walk. Kassandra Balabon reached base three times with walks and crossed home plate once.
 
In the second game, Bemidji State took an early lead when Jackie Larsen hit a single to center field in the first inning. Aubrey Aukerman advanced Larsen to third with a sacrifice bunt, setting up Alayna DeGraef's double down the left field line, which brought Larsen home. The score was tied 1-1 after Northern State responded with a run in the bottom of the first. Bemidji State regained the lead in the sixth inning when Larsen doubled to center field, followed by Aukerman's single to left. Aukerman then stole second, allowing Larsen to score, concluding the game with a 2-1 victory for the Beavers.
 
Sydney Klusman delivered a strong performance on the mound for Bemidji State, pitching a complete game over seven innings. She allowed just five hits and one earned run, securing her third win of the season with a record of 3-8. Klusman also recorded two strikeouts and issued only one walk. Larsen recorded three hits, including a double, and scored two runs in the game. DeGraef contributed with an RBI double, adding a hit to her stats. Aukerman added a hit and a stolen base.
 
Following the doubleheader, Bemidji State holds an overall record of 9-30 and is 3-13 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Northern State now has a record of 14-20 and stands at 6-12 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Up next for Bemidji State, it will host Minnesota State University Moorhead on Friday, April 17 at BSU Softball Field in Bemidji, Minnesota. The game will commence at 1 p.m. CT.
 
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).