BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (7-10, 4-9 NSIC) fell to Concordia
University, St. Paul (12-6, 8-5 NSIC), 64-42, at BSU Gymnasium. The Golden Bears
secured the win with a decisive 25-point second-quarter and a 48-26 rebounding
advantage.

Bemidji State opened the first quarter with a layup by Aubrey Heyer, setting the
tone for a tightly contested start. Kassandra Caron contributed significantly in the
paint, scoring twice to keep the Beavers competitive. Despite their efforts,
turnovers were a concern, allowing Concordia-St. Paul to exploit those
opportunities. Ashlynne Guenther’s free throws at the end of the quarter gave the
Beavers a brief lead, but the Golden Bears responded with two free throws to edge
ahead. The first quarter concluded with Bemidji State trailing by one point, 12-11,
after missed opportunities in the final seconds.

Bemidji State faced a challenging second quarter as the Golden Bears capitalized on
their opportunities in the paint, scoring 14 points from close range. Despite the
Beavers’ efforts to keep pace with key assists from Evyn Eppinga and Tieryn Plasch’s
defensive plays, Concordia-St. Paul extended their lead through a series of
successful baskets. Bemidji State managed to cut into their deficit with strategic
plays, including a three-pointer by Guenther and fastbreak points from Eppinga, but
they were unable to contain the Golden Bears’ offensive momentum. As the quarter
closed, Bemidji State trailed with a score of 37–22, facing a 15-point deficit
heading into the next quarter.

Bemidji State struggled to find offensive rhythm in the third quarter, as
Concordia-St. Paul capitalized with a strong start. Gabrielle Fineday opened scoring
for the Beavers with a jumper, but the team faced challenges converting shots,
making just 2 of 13 attempts. Concordia-St. Paul extended their lead early with a
3-pointer by Leah Dengerud and maintained momentum with baskets in the paint.
Despite the Beavers’ efforts, including a 3-pointer by Eppinga assisted by Guenther,
the Golden Bears continued to pressure, forcing turnovers and blocking shots.
Concordia-St. Paul controlled the boards with a 12-6 rebounding advantage and
capitalized on second-chance points. The quarter ended with Concordia-St. Paul
ahead, leading 57-28.

Bemidji State commenced the fourth quarter by capitalizing on turnovers and
converting free throws to narrow the gap. Caron showcased her impact early,
connecting on multiple free throws and a layup to keep the team within striking
distance. This contributed to the Beavers achieving a season-high 13 free throws
made in the game. MaCee Linow added to the momentum with a layup and an and-one
play, further cutting into the deficit. The team’s defense played a crucial role,
blocking two shots and forcing four turnovers, which limited the Golden Bears’
scoring opportunities. Bemidji State’s effort in the paint resulted in eight points,
contributing to a 14–7 advantage in the quarter. Despite the strong performance, the
game concluded with the Beavers trailing 64–42.

Caron led Bemidji State with 10 points and collected seven rebounds. Beth Bolte
contributed defensively with two blocks and added a steal. Plasch made an impact
with three rebounds and recorded two steals. Guenther scored eight points and added
two rebounds.

The Beavers are now 7-10 overall and 4-9 in NSIC play. The Golden Bears move to 12-6
overall and 8-5 in the NSIC. In their next matchup, Bemidji State will host Winona
State University on Saturday, Jan. 24. The game is set for a 3:30 p.m. tip-off at
BSU Gymnasium in Bemidji, Minnesota.

BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Women’s Basketball (8-10, 5-9 NSIC)
defeated Winona State University (12-8, 9-5 NSIC), 72-65, at home, securing the
victory with a strong third-quarter performance that included 13 three-pointers
overall.

Bemidji State opened the first quarter with an effective use of the three-point
shot, as Gabrielle Fineday connected on two early attempts. The home team leveraged
Kassandra Caron’s defensive efforts, recording a block and a steal to maintain
control. The Beavers’ defense held strong, limiting Winona State’s scoring
opportunities while forcing four turnovers. The quarter concluded with Bemidji State
maintaining a narrow lead. Despite Winona State’s late three-pointer by Sadie
Jarmolowicz, a layup from Tieryn Plasch helped the Beavers finish the quarter ahead
13–12.

Bemidji State began the second quarter by capitalizing on turnovers, matching the
Warriors’ early scoring efforts to keep the game tied. Evyn Eppinga’s free throws
and subsequent three-pointer shifted the lead back to the Beavers, countering Winona
State’s brief advantage. Mid-quarter, Lindsey Weiler’s layup and Eppinga’s
three-pointer extended the Beavers’ margin, supported by defensive rebounds that
curtailed the Warriors’ attempts. As the quarter progressed, the Beavers maintained
control with Kassandra Caron’s contributions in the paint and on the boards. Despite
a late push from Winona State, the Beavers closed the quarter effectively, with
Caron securing two free throws and a final block by Lindsey Weiler on a three-point
attempt. The quarter ended with Bemidji State leading 30-26.

Bemidji State opened the third quarter with a strong offensive presence, highlighted
by a key three-pointer from Aubrey Heyer at 8:25, extending their lead. The team
maintained their momentum with efficient ball movement, as demonstrated by Tieryn
Plasch’s back-to-back three-pointers, contributing to the Beavers’ scoring. Despite
the Warriors’ efforts in the paint, the Beavers countered effectively from beyond
the arc, with Evyn Eppinga adding crucial three-pointers at 4:07 and 3:29. The
quarter remained closely contested, with both teams scoring 26 points. The Beavers
closed the quarter maintaining a slight edge, ending with a score of 56-52.

Bemidji State began the fourth quarter trading baskets with Winona State,
maintaining a narrow lead through the early minutes. A key defensive block by Aubrey
Heyer at 8:20 helped to slow the visitors’ momentum, allowing the Beavers to regain
the lead shortly after with a jumper from Heyer, assisted by Gabrielle Fineday. As
the quarter progressed, the Beavers capitalized on free-throw opportunities, with
Aubrey Heyer and Kassandra Caron both adding crucial points from the line. Evyn
Eppinga’s defensive rebound at 1:49, followed by her layup and free throw at 0:31,
extended the Beavers’ cushion. In the closing minutes, the Beavers maintained
control, converting free throws and securing defensive rebounds. The team finished
strong, winning the quarter 16-13, and securing a 72-65 victory.

Evyn Eppinga scored 23 points, sinking five 3-pointers and pulling down eight
rebounds. Kassandra Caron contributed 13 points, making seven of eight free throws
and tallying two steals. Tieryn Plasch added 14 points, including four 3-pointers,
while Gabrielle Fineday scored nine points with three successful shots from beyond
the arc. Aubrey Heyer blocked two shots and added seven points to the score sheet.

Bemidji St. holds a record of 8-10 overall and 5-9 in NSIC competition. Winona St.
stands at 12-8 overall and 9-5 in NSIC play. Looking ahead, Bemidji State will
travel to face Augustana University on Friday, Jan. 30. The game is set for 5:30
p.m. in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.