The Bemidji State University softball team is set to begin its 2021 season Wednesday when it travels to West St. Paul, Minn., to face University of Minnesota Crookston and University of Jamestown in the West St. Paul Dome.

The Beavers officially open the season against Minnesota Crookston at 9 a.m., in the WSP Dome followed by Jamestown at 11 a.m.

Minnesota Crookston also begins its 2021 season Wednesday morning and return a number of key pieces from a 2020 season that was cut short. Offensively, UMC returns Cassie Querry, Jordan Peterson and Gabriella Blomdahl. In 16 games last season, Minnesota Crookston scored 75 runs, including four games scoring nine or more runs.

In the circle, Minnesota Crookston added senior Katie Humehj from Long Island-Post after she led the team to NCAA Division II College World Series in 2019. Sophomore Alina Avilos and freshmen Sofia Gombos also project to play a role in the circle this season.

The Jimmies of Jamestown look to build upon a 2020 season where the Jimmies went 12-7 before the season was shutdown.

Bemidji State returns 12 letter-winners and eight positional players from a 2020 season that was shortened to just 22 games due to COVID-19. The Beavers posted a 10-12 record during the 2020 season and head coach Brittany Gomez-Olson has added seven newcomers to the team for the 2021 season.

Bemidji State was picked to finish 12th in the NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Poll while seniors Lisa Kossan and Stephi Dullum were tabbed as the Beavers’ Preseason Players to Watch.