Women’s Hoops travel to Jamestown and Northern State
WBB travels to the Dakotas for a pair of NSIC North matchups

Bemidji State University heads on the road Thursday and Saturday to take on Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference North Division opponents University of Jamestown and Northern State University. Thursday’s matchup in Jamestown, N.D. is set to tipoff at 7:30 p.m. while Saturday in Aberdeen, S.D. is slated for 6 p.m.

JAMESTOWN, N.D. — Bemidji State University (6-2, 3-1 NSIC) defeated the University
of Jamestown (4-4, 2-2 NSIC), 77-61, at Harold Newman Arena, capitalizing on 31
points off turnovers. The Beavers secured the win with a strong defensive
performance, recording 16 steals and forcing 25 turnovers.

Bemidji State started the first quarter strong, as Ashlynne Guenther opened the
scoring with a layup. The team effectively utilized the paint, scoring 12 points
from inside and capitalizing on fast breaks for an additional four points. The
Beavers displayed solid defense, forcing Jamestown into five turnovers and
converting these opportunities into points. With contributions from Kassandra Caron,
who hit two 3-pointers, and Tieryn Plasch, who added crucial assists, Bemidji State
maintained control. The quarter closed with a 3-pointer from Caron, assisted by
Plasch, solidifying the Beavers’ lead. The first quarter ended with Bemidji State
leading 23–16.

The Beavers began the second quarter with a strong defensive presence, forcing
Jamestown into multiple turnovers early on. Aubrey Heyer and Caron capitalized on
these opportunities with back-to-back fastbreak layups, extending the visitor’s
lead. Despite their efforts, Bemidji State struggled with shooting efficiency,
converting only 3 of 15 shots and failing to hit from beyond the arc. As the quarter
progressed, Jamestown narrowed the gap, leveraging their advantage in the paint and
second-chance opportunities. A crucial moment came in the final seconds when Evyn
Eppinga converted two free throws to momentarily retake the lead at 32-31. However,
a late layup by Jamestown’s Halle Crockett concluded the quarter with the Beavers
trailing by one, 33-32.

Bemidji State opened the third quarter with a strong defensive stance, forcing seven
turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks. Eppinga’s layup initiated a series of
scoring plays, including a key 3-pointer by Caron at 3:24, which shifted the
momentum. The team maintained their lead through aggressive play in the paint, with
Eppinga further contributing with multiple layups in the closing minutes. The
Beavers concluded the quarter with a substantial 11-point advantage, leading
Jamestown 56-45.

Bemidji State solidified their lead in the fourth quarter, opening with a strong 8-2
run, highlighted by Caron’s fastbreak layup. Guenther contributed with key defensive
rebounds, while Eppinga’s steal and subsequent layup helped increase the gap. The
visiting team maintained their momentum, capitalizing on turnovers and converting
free throws effectively. While Jamestown attempted to rally with a 3-pointer from
Samantha Paulsen, Bemidji State’s consistent scoring, including layups from Caron
and Guenther, kept the pressure on. In the final moments, the Beavers extended their
advantage, with Beth Bolte’s late steal leading to a successful jumper by Gabrielle
Fineday. The quarter ended with Bemidji State outscoring Jamestown 21-16, securing a
decisive 77-61 victory.

Eppinga scored 28 points and recorded five rebounds, leading the performance with
perfect free-throw shooting by converting 7 of 7. Caron added 27 points, shooting 10
of 17 from the field and contributing three steals. Guenther finished with 10
points, making 5 of 9 field goal attempts. Kendra Syverson tallied four steals,
impacting the defensive effort.

The Beavers improved to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in NSIC play. Jamestown is now 4-4
overall and 2-2 in the NSIC. In their next game, Bemidji State will travel to face
Northern State University on Saturday, Dec. 13. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at
Aberdeen, South Dakota.

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Bemidji State University Women’s Basketball (6-3, 3-2 NSIC) fell to
Northern State University (6-4, 2-3 NSIC), 62-55, in a closely contested match at
Wachs Arena. Despite leading by one point at halftime, the Beavers were outscored
25-14 in the third quarter, which proved decisive.

Bemidji State opened the first quarter with strong defensive pressure, forcing four
turnovers and securing four steals. Kassandra Caron set the tone early with a layup
and a jumper in the paint, helping establish a slight advantage. Despite a few
missed opportunities from beyond the arc, the Beavers capitalized on free throws to
stay competitive.

Northern State responded with a series of plays that included a three-pointer from
Taylor Tool and solid bench contributions, keeping the game closely contested. The
Beavers finished the quarter with a layup by Evyn Eppinga to narrow the gap, ending
the quarter trailing by one, 17-16.

Bemidji State began the second quarter by building momentum with a series of
successful plays, including a layup by Kendra Syverson, which helped establish an
early advantage. Caron contributed significantly with a layup and a free throw,
pushing the Beavers ahead 21–17. Despite Northern State’s efforts to respond,
including tying the score at 21, Bemidji State reclaimed the lead with a 3-pointer
by Tieryn Plasch at the 6:06 mark.

As the quarter progressed, the Beavers maintained their edge with a combination of
defensive rebounds and effective offense. Beth Bolte’s layup extended the lead to
28–25. Although Northern State narrowed the gap, Sam Veto’s layup in the final
minute ensured the Beavers finished the quarter ahead 30–29. The quarter ended with
Bemidji State leading by one point, 30–29.

Bemidji State began the third quarter with an early layup by Caron, establishing a
narrow lead over Northern State. Despite multiple scoring opportunities, the Beavers
struggled to maintain momentum due to turnovers and fouls. Caron continued to be a
pivotal player, contributing both on offense with layups and defensively with a
block.

As the quarter progressed, Northern State capitalized on Bemidji State’s turnovers,
regaining and extending their lead through successful shooting, including two
3-pointers. The Beavers’ defensive efforts were countered by Northern State’s
rebounding and second-chance points. The quarter closed with Bemidji State trailing
54-44, after Northern State outscored them 25-14 in the third.

Bemidji State initiated a determined push in the fourth quarter, highlighted by
Caron’s strong performance. She contributed a key layup at 7:17 and added two free
throws at 4:50, narrowing Northern State’s lead. Despite the Beavers’ tenacity on
defense, holding Northern State to just one field goal in the quarter, turnovers and
missed opportunities limited further scoring chances.

The visitors outscored Northern State 11-8 in the final quarter, showing resilience
and composure under pressure. The Beavers’ defense, including a block by Veto at
3:43, provided critical stops. However, Northern State maintained their lead,
closing the game at 62-55.

Caron led the team with 24 points, converting 10 of her 15 field goal attempts.
Eppinga contributed 14 points and recorded three steals, showcasing her defensive
skills. Ashlynne Guenther added four points and collected four rebounds, providing
support on the boards. Tiffany Heyer grabbed five rebounds, solidifying the team’s
defensive presence.

Bemidji State now holds a 6-3 overall record and is 3-2 in NSIC play. Northern State
is 6-4 overall with a 2-3 record in conference competition.