BISMARCK, ND – In a meeting between two teams fighting for playoff positioning, the University of Mary succumbed 2-0 to visiting Bemidji State University in the Marauders penultimate home game of the season.
 
In a loaded Northern Sun conference, the Marauders slipped to 8^th in the league standings with two games to play, including one more at home. UMary is 9-4-3 overall and 6-4-3 in the NSIC for 21 points. The Marauders are still in the running for home field in the opening round but would have to jump over some teams. Eight teams make the league tournament and the top four teams host the opening round. Bemidji State improved to 10-2-4/9-1-3 and are 2^nd in the NSIC with 30 points, one point behind conference-leading Minnesota State.
 
Led by goaltender Madisyn Waltman and a strong defense, the Marauders withstood the Beavers attack in the first half without allowing a goal. Waltman posted five saves before intermission as BSU outshot UMary 7-3.
 
Bemidji State broke the scoreless tie just three minutes into the second half on a Sara Wendt goal. Taking a through ball, Wendt slipped the ball past a charging Waltman from atop the right side of the goal box.
 
UMary pressed to find the equalizer but shots by Audrey Garlitz and Olivia Gardner were both turned away by BSU goalkeeper Georgiana Harber and the Marauders were unable to convert a pair of corner kicks.
 
A second goal by Wendt in the 82^nd minute secured the BSU win.
 
Waltman finished the game with eight saves to tie her season-high.
 
BSU finished with advantages in shots (14-8), shots on frame (11-3) and corner kicks (6-4).
 
The Marauders finish the weekend with a visit to the University of Minnesota Crookston on Sunday, October 23. Game time is 1 pm. UMary then closes out the regular season with a visit from instate rival Minot State University on Thursday, October 27.
 
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