The Bemidji State University volleyball team closed out its Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opening weekend Saturday afternoon by falling to University of Sioux Falls, 3-0 (25-16, 25-8, 25-9). The Beavers fall to 0-10 on the season and 0-2 in NSIC play.

Bemidji State was out-hit 45 kills to 23 while the Cougars (7-3, 2-0 NSIC) hit at a .551 clip as a team compared to .126 for the Beavers. Senior Anna Averkamp paced the Beavers with seven kills and hit .250 in the match while BSU had no answer Cougars’ Averey Yaksich who totaled 17 kills and hit .640. Junior Meeghen Dahlager followed Averkamp with four kills on 14 attacks while sophomore Rilee Michaelson added three.

Freshman Emily Wade recorded 15 assists setting the ball for the Beavers and also picked up seven digs on defense to also lead the Beavers’ defense. Bemidji State failed to record a block in the match for the first time this season.

Bemidji State closes out its three-match homestand Tuesday, Sept. 21 when it hosts No. 23 St. Cloud State University at 6 p.m.