ST. PAUL, Minn. — Bemidji State University Softball (10-41, 4-24 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) faced a tough doubleheader against Concordia University, St. Paul (28-23, 17-11 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) at Carlander Field on Thursday, falling 7-0 in the first game and 12-4 in the second.
In the first game, the Beavers struggled offensively, managing only two hits while the Golden Bears secured the shutout with nine hits and seven RBIs. Concordia-St. Paul opened the scoring in the second inning when Burke scored on a fielder's choice bunt by Peterson, followed by Monty's three-run homer to center field, giving them a 4-0 lead. They extended their advantage in the fourth inning, with Peterson scoring on a single by Monty, who then scored on a double by Sharum, along with Blake, making it 7-0.
Sydney Klusman pitched 3 2/3 innings for Bemidji State, allowing nine hits and seven earned runs without recording any strikeouts. She threw 64 pitches, with 42 strikes, and gave up a home run along with a wild pitch.
Brianna Ness followed in relief, delivering 2 scoreless innings with no hits allowed, although she issued two walks.
Jackie Larsen and
Alayna DeGraef each contributed one hit in the game.
In the second game, the Beavers initially opened strong, scoring two runs in the first inning.
Jackie Larsen singled to third base and advanced to third, while
Aubrey Aukerman and
Alayna DeGraef reached base on a bunt and a fielder's choice, respectively.
Lauren Beissel's single down the right-field line drove in a run, and a throwing error allowed another run to score, putting Bemidji State ahead 2-0. However, Concordia-St. Paul responded with a six-run first inning to take a commanding 6-2 lead.
Bemidji State managed to add two more runs in the fourth inning with
Jenna Burd's single and
Jillian Johnson's double setting up Larsen's groundout and DeGraef's single to reduce the deficit to 12-4. However, the Golden Bears maintained their lead, scoring two additional runs in the fourth inning.
Keira Lucero started on the mound for Bemidji State, allowing three hits and six runs (four earned) in just 1/3 inning.
Tibby Hessian pitched 2 1/3 innings, yielding seven hits and four earned runs, including two home runs.
Danica Sarff pitched one inning, giving up two hits and two earned runs while issuing four walks.
Brianna Ness closed the game without facing any batters.
Larsen drove in a run and scored once, while Aukerman collected two hits and drew a walk. DeGraef added a hit and an RBI, and Johnson recorded a double and scored a run, contributing to the offensive efforts.
With the losses, Bemidji State's record stands at 10-41 overall and 4-24 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, while Concordia-St. Paul holds a record of 28-23 and a 17-11 mark in the conference. Looking ahead, Bemidji State will face St. Cloud State University on Sunday, May 3, at noon CT in St. Cloud, 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).
