SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Bemidji State University Women’s Basketball (8-11, 5-10 NSIC)
fell to Augustana University (8-13, 5-10 NSIC), 65-59, on Friday, despite leading by
two points at halftime. The Beavers knocked down 10 three-pointers but were outpaced
42-22 in paint points by the Vikings.

Bemidji State opened the first quarter with a strong performance, capitalizing on
turnovers and hitting three 3-pointers to take an early lead. Kassandra Caron
initiated the scoring with a layup assisted by Gabrielle Fineday, setting the tone
for the quarter. The team continued to build momentum with a 3-pointer by Evyn
Eppinga, extending their advantage to six points at one stage.

Despite Augustana’s efforts to close the gap, the Beavers’ defense held strong,
forcing four turnovers and converting them into seven points. Eppinga was pivotal,
contributing both defensively with a steal and offensively with another 3-pointer.
The quarter ended with Bemidji maintaining a narrow 17-15 lead, setting up a
competitive contest moving forward.

Bemidji State began the second quarter with a strong performance, highlighted by
Ashlynne Guenther’s three-pointer at the 8-minute mark, assisted by Fineday, giving
them a 22–17 lead. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Beth Bolte recording a
steal during this stretch. Despite the Vikings’ efforts to close the gap with points
in the paint, Tieryn Plasch responded with a three-pointer at 4:05, extending the
lead to 28–23.

Bemidji State continued to apply pressure, with Fineday adding a layup at 2:23 after
an assist from Plasch. The quarter concluded with both teams exchanging baskets, but
the Beavers maintained a slight edge, leading 30–27 at the end of the second
quarter.

Bemidji State began the third quarter with a narrow lead, but the Vikings quickly
responded with a layup by Isabella Sanneh to take the lead early. The Beavers then
regained momentum with two free throws from Plasch and a layup from Lindsey Weiler,
maintaining a slight edge. Fineday contributed with a crucial 3-pointer to extend
Bemidji’s lead temporarily.

However, Augustana countered, eventually pulling ahead with a series of successful
inside plays and free throws, including a layup by Mia Donald. Despite Bemidji
closing the gap in the final seconds with three free throws by Fineday, Augustana
held a lead of 45–42 at the end of the quarter.

Bemidji State’s fourth quarter began with a tight contest as they quickly responded
to an early layup by the Vikings with Weiler’s tip-in under the basket. Trailing by
three, Guenther secured a defensive rebound, leading to a critical 3-pointer by
Eppinga at the 7:37 mark, closing the gap to one point.

Midway through the quarter, Plasch played a pivotal role, scoring a layup followed
by a 3-pointer, briefly giving Bemidji the lead. Despite this surge, Augustana’s
Maliyah Elliott and Sanneh capitalized on key opportunities to regain the advantage.

In the closing moments, Bemidji State struggled to maintain their lead as Augustana
pulled ahead with free throws. The quarter ended with Augustana leading 65-59, after
Bemidji’s last attempt to narrow the margin fell short.

Plasch scored 25 points, converting 9 of 14 field goal attempts, including five
3-pointers. Eppinga added 11 points and made three 3-point shots. Fineday
contributed eight points and recorded four assists. Bolte tallied three steals and
collected four rebounds.

The Beavers hold an overall record of 8-11 and are 5-10 in NSIC play. The Vikings
stand at 8-13 overall with a 5-10 mark in NSIC competition. In their next game,
Bemidji State will travel to face Wayne State College on Saturday, Jan. 31. Tip-off
is set for 3:30 p.m. in Wayne, Nebraska.

WAYNE, Neb. — Bemidji State University Women’s Basketball (8-12, 5-11 NSIC) fell to
Wayne State College (10-12, 5-11 NSIC), 61-50, at Rice Auditorium, with 14 points
scored off turnovers in the contest. Despite their 14 steals, the Beavers were
unable to overcome the Wildcats’ 34 points in the paint.

Bemidji State started the first quarter with defensive pressure, highlighted by
Tieryn Plasch’s early steal at 9:50. The Beavers capitalized on the Wildcats’
turnovers, keeping the score tied at 2–2 after Aubrey Heyer’s successful free throws
at 7:35. Kassandra Caron’s layup at 6:53 helped the Beavers regain momentum,
resulting in a narrow lead after Plasch’s 3-pointer at 6:00.

However, the Wildcats responded with a run, drawing on their inside scoring to
extend their lead. Despite a strong defensive effort, the Beavers faced challenges
with turnovers, which contributed to a scoring gap. Kendra Syverson’s jumper at 1:14
narrowed the deficit, yet the Beavers trailed 19–11 at the close of the first
quarter.

In the second quarter, Syverson opened with a steal, setting the tone for the
Beavers’ defensive efforts, as the team recorded four steals during the period.
Despite the defensive plays, turnovers were frequent, with the Beavers committing
seven, which allowed the Wildcats to maintain control.

Offensively, Bemidji State struggled, shooting 4-for-14 from the field and missing
all seven attempts from beyond the arc. Gabrielle Fineday and Caron contributed with
layups to keep the visiting team in the game. However, the Wildcats capitalized on
second-chance opportunities and bench scoring, extending their lead. The quarter
ended with the Beavers trailing 36-20.

Bemidji State initiated the third quarter with a quick 3-pointer by Plasch, assisted
by Caron, setting the tone for the team’s offensive efforts. Despite giving up
points in the paint to Wayne State, the Beavers capitalized on free throws,
converting seven out of ten attempts. Plasch contributed significantly with two
steals and a block, keeping the defense active against the Wildcats’ pressure.

Midway through the quarter, Beth Bolte’s defensive rebound led to a successful
layup, narrowing the score margin. The Beavers maintained pressure with a fast-paced
play style, highlighted by strategic assists and defensive stops, including another
3-pointer from Plasch. The quarter concluded with the Beavers outscoring the
Wildcats 17-13, trimming the deficit to 49-37.

The Beavers began the fourth quarter by narrowing the gap with a quick series of
plays, highlighted by Sam Veto’s 3-pointer at 9:07, bringing the score to 41–51. The
visiting team increased defensive pressure, forcing turnovers, including a steal by
Bolte at 8:03. Syverson added another 3-pointer at 7:50, further reducing the
deficit.

Wayne State responded with a layup from Kelsey Willems at 2:33 and a three-point
play by Kylah vanDonkersgoed at 1:39, extending their lead. Despite Evyn Eppinga’s
efforts, contributing a 3-pointer and securing defensive rebounds, the Beavers
couldn’t close the gap entirely. The quarter concluded with the Beavers trailing
50–61.

Plasch led the team with 14 points, converting 3 of 8 from beyond the arc, and added
eight rebounds, including two blocks and five steals. Syverson contributed seven
points and three steals while securing two rebounds. Bolte recorded six rebounds and
three steals, complementing her three points with three assists. Caron scored seven
points and collected five rebounds, adding two steals to her performance.

The Beavers are now 8-12 overall and 5-11 in NSIC competition. Wayne State holds a
10-12 overall record with a conference record of 5-11 in the NSIC. Looking ahead,
Bemidji State will travel to face Minot State University on Thursday, Feb. 5. The
game will tip off at 5:30 p.m. in Minot, North Dakota.