BISMARCK, N.D. — Bemidji State University (2-0, 0-0 NSIC) had a remarkable start at the Marauders First Serve Invitational, securing a 3-1 victory over Western New Mexico University (0-1, 0-0 Lone Star) on Friday morning at the McDowell Activity Center, followed by a thrilling 3-2 win against the University of Mary (1-1, 0-0 NSIC) later that day. The Beavers recorded impressive statistics throughout the matches, tallying 11 service aces against Western New Mexico and 10 service aces against the University of Mary.
In the first match, Bemidji State opened with strong offensive play, quickly establishing a lead with a kill from
Isabella Vander Velden assisted by
Madison Tripp. Tripp played a pivotal role, repeatedly setting up her teammates, leading to consecutive points, including a key service ace from Vander Velden that extended the lead to 9-3. Despite a late rally from Western New Mexico that tied the score at 14-14, the Beavers regained control with a critical kill by
Nevaeh Carlson, assisted by
Katie Brandl, ultimately closing out the set at 25-22 due to a service error from the Mustangs.
The Beavers began the second set with a strong offensive push, highlighted by
Kayla Gallagher's three consecutive kills, which turned an early deficit into a 3-2 lead. However, the Mustangs responded with momentum through service errors and blocks. Despite contributions from players like Vander Velden, who delivered a service ace that tied the score at 15-15, Bemidji State fell short as Western New Mexico edged ahead to close the set at 25-23.
In the decisive third set, the Beavers surged ahead with key plays from
Ava Athman and
Ella Kratochvil, with Kratochvil contributing crucial kills supported by Tripp's assists. A pivotal service ace by Vander Velden helped maintain momentum, leading to a 25-18 win. The Beavers secured a strong start in the fourth set with a kill by Gallagher, assisted by Tripp. Key contributions from Athman and
Grace Hoffard stretched the lead, with the match concluding at 25-19 after Bemidji State capitalized on a bad set by the Mustangs.
Tripp facilitated the offense with 39 assists and added a service ace.
Kayla Gallagher contributed 14 kills and eight digs, finishing with 15 points.
Ella Kratochvil recorded 14 kills on a .448 hitting percentage, along with four digs. Vander Velden made a significant impact with four service aces and three total blocks.
In the second match against the University of Mary, the Beavers showcased their resilience and skill. The first set began with Bemidji State keeping pace with the Marauders, highlighted by
Ella Kratochvil, who achieved a career-high total of 21 kills. The Beavers capitalized on a series of service aces and strong kills, including a notable run by Vander Velden, leading to a commanding 25-15 victory.
The second set proved challenging for Bemidji State, as they faced setbacks with attack errors and blocks, allowing Mary to extend its lead. Despite a late rally led by Athman and Hoffard, the Beavers narrowly fell short, losing the set 25-23.
The Beavers surged ahead early in the third set with a 4-0 run, aided by attack errors from Mary and a kill by Vander Velden. Tripp provided critical assists, helping secure a 25-19 win. The fourth set saw the Beavers maintaining pressure but ultimately falling again to Mary, who clinched the set 25-23.
In the decisive fifth set, Bemidji State took control early with a kill by Kratochvil, assisted by Tripp. The Beavers extended their lead to 5-1, and despite a brief rally by Mary, the Beavers held on to win the set 15-11, securing the match.
Kratochvil led the Beavers with 21 kills, hitting a .429 percentage. Tripp set up the offense with 48 assists and contributed three service aces. Athman added 11 kills, three blocks, and two service aces, finishing with 15.0 points. Boelter anchored the defense with a team-high 16 digs.
The Beavers hold an overall record of 2-0, while Western New Mexico stands at 0-1 and the Marauders at 1-1. Looking ahead, Bemidji State will face Montana State University Billings on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 9 a.m. in Bismarck, North Dakota.
For more information on the Bemidji State Volleyball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversVB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversVB).
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).
