Beaver Fever Friday - Beth Bolte - @BSUBeaversWBB

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.