BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Softball (10-31, 4-14 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) split their doubleheader against Minnesota State University Moorhead (6-35, 4-14 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) at Chet Anderson Stadium on Thursday afternoon. Bemidji State secured a thrilling 2-1 victory in the first game but fell short in the second, losing 12-5.
 
In game one, Bemidji State clinched a tight victory over MSU Moorhead with a final score of 2-1. The game remained scoreless until the fifth inning when Calleigh Richards was hit by a pitch, advanced on a passed ball, and scored on a groundout by Jillian Johnson, putting Bemidji State ahead 1-0 after five innings. MSU Moorhead tied the game in the sixth inning when Teagan Pranchke singled, stole second, and scored on a double play, leveling the score at 1-1.
 
The seventh inning saw Bemidji State regain the lead. Maddie Kielsmeier walked, and Kassandra Balabon, pinch-hitting, singled to advance Kielsmeier. Josie Kappes reached on a fielder's choice, loading the bases. Jackie Larsen's single set the stage for Aubrey Aukerman, who drove in Balabon, securing the 2-1 victory for Bemidji State.
 
Sydney Klusman delivered a complete game for Bemidji State, pitching all seven innings and allowing just one earned run. She effectively managed the game, giving up six hits and two walks while striking out one. Klusman threw a total of 88 pitches, with 54 of them being strikes, securing her fourth win of the season with a record of 4-8. Aukerman contributed offensively with one hit and drove in a run, while Morgan Benedict excelled defensively by catching two runners stealing. Alayna DeGraef added a double among her hits.
 
In game 2, Bemidji State struggled against MSU Moorhead, falling to them with a final score of 12-5. MSU Moorhead took an early lead in the first inning with a run scoring on a single by Wilson, bringing Pranchke home on the throw. The score after one inning was MSU Moorhead 1, Bemidji State 0. MSU Moorhead added two more runs in the second inning, with Spivey scoring on a walk by Macchiaroli and Moore scoring on a passed ball, increasing their lead to 3-0.
 
The fourth inning saw MSU Moorhead extend its advantage with two unearned runs, making the score MSU Moorhead 5, Bemidji State 0. Bemidji State responded in the fifth inning with three runs, as Aubrey Aukerman doubled down the right-field line, driving in Josie Kappes and Jillian Johnson. Aukerman later scored, reducing the deficit to 7-3 after five innings.
 
However, MSU Moorhead scored three more times in the sixth inning, with Garcia and Spivey both reaching home, aided by a double from Moore, making it 10-3. In the seventh inning, MSU Moorhead added two more runs, while Bemidji State attempted a comeback with two runs of its own, with Kappes scoring on a single by Alayna DeGraef and Larsen scoring on a sacrifice fly by Calleigh Richards. Ultimately, it was not enough to close the gap, and the final score was MSU Moorhead 12, Bemidji State 5.
 
Keira Lucero started on the mound for Bemidji State, pitching 1 1/3 innings and allowing two hits and three runs while issuing four walks. Danica Sarff entered in relief, surrendering six hits and four runs while walking three and striking out three batters. Tibby Hessian closed the pitching effort, giving up four hits and three runs.
 
Aubrey Aukerman shone offensively in the second game, contributing two hits, including a double, and driving in two runs while also stealing a base. Josie Kappes provided a spark, scoring twice and adding two hits, one of which was a double. Alayna DeGraef added to the scoring with one RBI and secured a hit while also drawing a walk.
 
With this split, Bemidji State holds a record of 10-31 and stands with a 4-14 mark in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Looking ahead, Bemidji State will face the University of Minnesota Crookston on Sunday, April 19. The doubleheader is set for 1 p.m. at Crookston, Minnesota.
 
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).