BEMIDJI, Minn. — The Bemidji State University Women's Soccer team closes out its non-conference schedule this weekend and faces one of the most decorated women's soccer programs in NCAA Division II this weekend. The Beavers travel to Mankato, Minn., to battle No. 5 Grand Valley State University at The Pitch on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato Friday, September 4.
 
The Beavers (1-0-1) battle the Lakers (1-0-1) for just the second time in the two program's histories after first meeting in 2019. The match is set to kick-off at Noon CT and can be streamed online at Midco Sports Plus with Live Stats to accompany.
 
Bemidji State concludes its non-conference schedule Friday after opening the 2026 season by hosting regional opponents Missouri Western State University and Northwest Missouri State University this past weekend. It opened the season with a 0-0 draw against the Griffons but rallied Sunday to defeat the Bearcats 2-1 and earn their first win of 2026.
 
Junior goalkeeper Rozlyn Buettner shined in between the pipes against the Griffons making a career-high seven saves earning her first clean sheet of the season and third overall. She made four saves in the Beavers' match against the Bearcats to collect her first win of the season.
 
Seniors Ella Wade and Madeline Davey powered the Beavers' offense over the weekend after each scored a goal. Wade set the tone for the Beavers scoring in the third minute against the Bearcats off a penalty kick. Davey then scored in the 46^th minute for the game-winning goal, the fourth of her career.
 
Grand Valley State travels to Mankato after a 1-0-1 opening weekend. The Lakers earned a 1-1 tie with No. 22 Ashland University to start the season and then defeated Cedarville University 3-1. They are led by junior defender Vesna Dennison who has scored twice already this season while three different Lakers have scored a goal. Macie Hunter has started all two matches in goal for GVSU and is 1-0-1 with a 1.00 goals against average, .667 save percentage and four saves.
 
The Lakers enter the weekend ranked No. 5 in the latest United Soccer Coaches weekly poll and were voted to finish first in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State soccer program, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaverSoccer), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversSoccer).
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
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