BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Softball (10-37, 4-20 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) faced off against No. 22 Winona State University (42-7, 21-3 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) in a doubleheader at BSU Softball Field, suffering losses of 10–3 and 15–2.
 
In the first game, Bemidji State managed to score two runs in the seventh inning, showcasing late efforts against the Warriors' pitching. The game began with a tense atmosphere as both teams scored in the first inning. Jackie Larsen walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch, later driven home by Lauren Beissel's single to level the score at 1–1 after Winona State had initially taken the lead with a single by Elsenpeter.
 
The second inning saw Winona State regain the lead with a tripled run by Jodarski, who later scored on a groundout, making it 2–1. The Warriors extended their lead in the fourth with an unearned run, pushing the score to 3–1, and further increased their advantage in the sixth inning, scoring two runs with a double by Woelfel and a single by Mancuso, resulting in a 5–1 score.
 
In the seventh inning, Winona State added five more runs, including a two-RBI single by McNeill. Bemidji State attempted a comeback, highlighted by Jillian Johnson doubling and scoring on a throwing error, and Larsen scoring on a sacrifice fly by Beissel, but the effort fell short, closing the game with a final score of 10–3.
 
Keira Lucero pitched 5 2/3 innings for the Beavers, allowing seven hits and four earned runs while striking out two batters. Brianna Ness entered in relief, allowing just one hit and a walk in 2/3 of an inning without any runs scored. Danica Sarff faced challenges in her brief appearance, pitching 2/3 of an inning and allowing three hits, five runs, and two walks.
 
Larsen scored two runs and collected one RBI, while Beissel drove in two runs. Johnson recorded one run and added a double, contributing to the team's offensive efforts.
 
In the second game, Bemidji State struggled against Winona State's powerful 18-hit performance, falling 15-2. Winona State took an early lead in the first inning when Woelfel scored on a sacrifice fly by Elsenpeter, ending the inning ahead 1-0.
 
Bemidji State responded in the second inning when Lauren Beissel singled and later scored on a single by Jillian Johnson, bringing the score to 2-1. However, Winona State extended their lead in the third with a solo home run by Elsenpeter and additional runs by McNeill and Jodarski to make it 5-1.
 
The fifth inning saw Winona State add three more runs, while Bemidji State managed to score once more with Johnson crossing the plate on a hit by Jackie Larsen, ending the fifth inning at 8-2. Winona State then capitalized on a home run by Johnson in the sixth, pushing their lead to 9-2.
 
In the seventh inning, Winona State widened the gap with six additional runs, sealing the game with a decisive final score of 15-2.
 
Tibby Hessian started for Bemidji State, pitching 2 1/3 innings and allowing seven hits and five runs, four of which were earned. Sydney Klusman followed, giving up six hits and three earned runs in two innings. Brianna Ness pitched 2 1/3 innings, surrendering three hits and five earned runs, while Grace Duwenhoegger faced difficulty in her brief outing. Danica Sarff closed the game, pitching 1/3 inning without allowing a hit or run.
 
Beissel and Johnson each recorded two hits, with Johnson adding a run and an RBI. Larsen drove in a run and stole a base during her performance, while Calleigh Richards collected a double in her one-hit game.
 
Bemidji State has an overall record of 10-37 and stands in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference with a conference record of 4-20. Winona State, ranked No. 22 nationally, holds an overall record of 42-7 and is positioned second with a 21-3 record in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference standings.
 
In their next game, the Beavers will face Minnesota State University, Mankato on Sunday, April 26, at noon at BSU Softball Field in Bemidji, 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).