DULUTH, Minn. — Bemidji State University Softball faced a tough doubleheader against the University of Minnesota Duluth on Wednesday, falling 10–1 and 10–0 at Malosky Stadium. In both games, Bemidji State struggled offensively, managing a combined total of just five hits against the Bulldogs' pitching.
 
Bemidji State faced Minnesota Duluth in a challenging matchup. In the first inning, Minnesota Duluth took an early lead with a series of key plays, including a triple by Daphne Evans and a series of hits and walks that brought in four runs. The score at the end of the first inning was 4–0 in favor of Minnesota Duluth. The second inning saw the Bulldogs extend their lead as a single by Evans and a series of errors allowed four more runs to score, putting Minnesota Duluth ahead 8–0 by the end of the second inning.
 
Bemidji State found some momentum in the fourth inning when Alayna DeGraef doubled to center field, followed by Lauren Beissel's RBI double that brought DeGraef home, putting the score at 8–1. However, in the fifth inning, Minnesota Duluth sealed its victory with two additional runs, scoring on a single by Serena Timmer that drove in both Morgan McMillan and Taylor Dawyduk. The game concluded with a final score of 10–1, with Minnesota Duluth securing the win over Bemidji State.
 
Sydney Klusman started on the mound for Bemidji State but did not record any innings pitched, leaving the game without allowing a hit, run, or walk. Keira Lucero entered as a relief pitcher, delivering 4 1/3 innings, conceding 10 hits and 10 runs (seven earned). Lucero struck out two batters and issued one walk, and was charged with the loss, moving her record to 4-9. Alayna DeGraef contributed with a double and scored a run, while Lauren Beissel added to the effort with a double and drove in one run.
 
In the second game of the doubleheader, Bemidji State faced a similarly challenging contest. Significant action began in the first inning with Minnesota Duluth's offense taking an early lead thanks to a home run by Daphne Evans, an RBI double from Khendal Johnson, and a run scored on an error. The inning concluded with a 3-0 lead for the Bulldogs. The second inning saw Evans hit another home run, bringing in two runs, further extending the lead to 5-0.
 
In the third inning, Bemidji State's Josie Kappes reached base with a single, but Minnesota Duluth added another run on a walk that scored a pinch runner, closing the inning at 6-0. The Bulldogs continued their offensive barrage in the fourth inning, adding four more runs with a single by Khendal Johnson, a two-RBI double by Morgan McMillan, and an RBI single by Paige Johnson, pushing the score to 10-0.
 
Bemidji State was unable to score in the fifth inning, leading to a 10-0 victory for Minnesota Duluth, who completed a shutout in five innings. Danica Sarff started the game for Bemidji State, pitching 2/3 of an inning while allowing two hits and three runs (two earned). Tibby Hessian followed, pitching 3 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and seven earned runs while striking out three and walking three. Grace Duwenhoegger closed the game with 1/3 of an inning pitched, making her collegiate pitching debut, allowing one hit but no runs or walks.
 
Lauren Beissel recorded one hit in the second game, contributing to Bemidji State's efforts at the plate. Maddie Schwab successfully stole a base, showcasing her speed, while Brianna Ness added another hit for the team.
 
With these losses, Bemidji State's record now stands at 10-35 overall and 4-18 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Minnesota Duluth improves to 27-18 overall and 12-10 in the conference. Up next for Bemidji State is a matchup against Winona State University on Saturday, April 25. The doubleheader is set for 1 p.m. at BSU Softball Field in Bemidji, Minnesota, celebrating the 2026 senior class. 
 
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).