BEMIDJI, Minn. —The Bemidji State University Volleyball team swept University of Mary in straight sets, 25-20, 28-26, 25-20, Saturday at BSU Gymnasium to kick-off Homecoming for Bemidji State. Bemidji State' potent attack, marked by a season-high .352 hitting percentage and eight service aces, was pivotal in securing the victory. The second set featured a tense finish, with Bemidji St. edging out the Marauders 28-26.
 
Ava Athman led the Beavers by recording 14 kills and contributing 15.5 points. Lily Riese added 12 kills in the match, posting a hitting percentage of .409. Madison Tripp facilitated the offense with 20 assists. Grace Hoffard contributed defensively with two blocks while adding five kills on offense.
 
Bemidji State opened the first set by quickly establishing momentum, with Riese making an early impact by contributing multiple kills, aided by the setup play of Tripp. The team's serving was effective, highlighted by Kylie Struble's service ace, which helped build an early lead. Bemidji State maintained their advantage through consistent scoring, with Athman adding key points late in the set.
 
As the Marauders attempted to close the gap, Bemidji State's defense held strong, with Karley Dunham and others contributing to crucial blocks and defensive plays. Bemidji State finished the set with a 25-20 lead, underscoring their control and setting a positive tone for the match.
 
Bemidji State seized a pivotal moment early in the second set with a service ace from Anna Paquette, pushing ahead 6-4. The set remained closely contested as Athman delivered multiple key kills, keeping the score tight at 9-9. A service ace by Jada Wlodarczyk and a kill by Riese helped Bemidji State level the score at 12-12, showcasing their resilience against the Marauders' attacks.
 
As the set progressed, Bemidji State capitalized on a series of service errors by the Marauders, maintaining a slim lead. Nevaeh Carlson's kill tied the score at 16-16, and a service ace by Struble gave Bemidji State a 20-19 advantage. Despite a late push from the Marauders, Bemidji State remained composed, with Hoffard's kill and a decisive service ace by Carlson closing the set. Bemidji State concluded the second set with a 28-26 edge, maintaining momentum in the match.
 
Bemidji State entered the third set holding a narrow lead and immediately capitalized on errors by the Marauders to establish momentum. Tripp's setup enabled Dunham to secure a critical early kill, leveling the score at 2-2. A sequence of kills from Athman and Carlson, combined with blocks by Hoffard and Athman, allowed Bemidji State to pull ahead 8-4.
 
Midway through the set, Bemidji State maintained control, with Katie Brandl contributing a kill and Wlodarczyk adding a service ace to extend the lead to 12-8. Despite a brief surge from the Marauders, Bemidji State's consistent attack, highlighted by Carlson and Athman's key plays, kept them ahead.
 
As the set closed, Bemidji State ensured their advantage was secure. Critical contributions from Hoffard and Riese, coupled with Athman's final kill, sealed the set with a 25-20 victory, maintaining their lead and demonstrating their ability to close out the match effectively.
 
Bemidji State improves to 5-10 overall and 2-5 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate play. The Marauders fall to 4-11 overall with a conference record of 1-6 in the NSIC.
 
Looking ahead, the Beavers next travel to Jamestown, N.D., for their next matchup against University of Jamestown. The game is set for Friday, Oct. 10, with the first serve at 6 p.m.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State volleyball program tickets or schedules visit BSUBeavers.com. Be sure to follow the Beavers on their social media channels on X, Instagram or like them on Facebook.
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
--bsu—