Bemidji State Soccer Opens Season With Big Freshman Class, New Turf Victory
BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State women's soccer kicked off its 2026 campaign with a 4-2 exhibition win over College of Saint Benedict on Friday, giving head coach Jim Stone his first look at a roster that blends 20 returning players with 13 freshmen.
The exhibition at Chet Anderson Stadium marked the first game on the team's new turf and offered early answers about how the Beavers plan to replace several key contributors from last season's 14-3-4 squad.
Freshman class brings immediate impact
Stone, entering his 24th season at the helm, admitted the freshman class grew beyond original expectations. The group was initially targeted at eight players but expanded to 13 as recruiting opportunities emerged.
Two freshmen already earned starting roles in Friday's exhibition: goalkeeper Emma Marzean out of Buffalo High School and forward Meredich Paar.
“There's a real quality to these players,” Stone said. “We felt like we caught some eight-pound walleyes who were too good to put back into Lake Bemidji and not keep.”
Returning players step up on new turf
Junior forward Madisen Fritel opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Captains Madeline Davey and Megan Ko connected for the second goal in the 23rd minute, while Gracie Waters headed in a corner kick from Olivia Seruer in the 42nd minute. Molly Burkstrand added an unassisted goal in the 69th minute.
Fritel said the new turf made the victory feel especially meaningful after playing on worn grass last season.
“It kind of felt extra special because it was the first game on the new turf and the first win,” Fritel said. “It feels great on the new turf. There were some rips and tears on the old one, so it's nice to have that fresh turf.”
Rebuilding after key departures
Bemidji State lost 10 players through graduation and the transfer portal after finishing 11-1-3 in NSIC play. The most significant losses came on the back line and in goal.
Stone noted the team lost both starting center backs and the Central Region Player of the Year in forward Katrina Barthelt, who also earned NSIC Offensive Player of the Year and Third Team All-American honors.
Redshirt sophomore Julia Freed transferred to Iowa in the Big Ten, while 2025 captain and All-NSIC honoree Emma Huelsnitz graduated. Goalkeeper Sonia Alfieri, an All-NSIC selection, also departed.
Junior Ella Wade is stepping into a larger leadership role on the back line.
“I definitely feel like it's my job to step into a leadership role like that,” Wade said. “It's just about trusting the people behind me. I have that confidence in the people behind me to do just as good of a job as we did last year.”
How will the Beavers replace Barthelt's scoring?
Barthelt's 2025 production was among the best in the region. Fritel believes the team's collective speed and chemistry can fill the scoring void.
“We all have a lot of speed and we all play off of each other really well,” Fritel said. “That's going to be a huge strength for us. We can all score, so hopefully we can replace those goals and get more this season.”
Preseason expectations and NCAA tournament motivation
NSIC coaches picked Bemidji State to finish third in the preseason poll, behind Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul. It marks the fifth straight season the Beavers were selected in the top three.
Bemidji State has qualified for the NCAA Tournament in four of the last five seasons. The one miss came in 2024, a season that shared parallels with this year's roster turnover.
“I think the baton has been passed down pretty well,” Stone said. “It's one of those questions where, if you knew the answer to it, you'd be a millionaire. I think one thing I've learned over the years is, no matter what you do or what transpires, it's a new team.”
Last season ended with a first-round, golden-goal loss to No. 7 Central Missouri. Players said that defeat fuels their motivation for a deeper tournament run.
“We're very excited to try and take a deeper run into the NCAA Tournament,” Wade said. “Losing in the first round last year was tough, even though it was still a big accomplishment to make it. It's definitely motivation for this year.”
What's next for Bemidji State?
The Beavers play two more road exhibitions this weekend against Wisconsin-Superior and St. Catherine. The regular season opens Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. against Missouri Western at Chet Anderson Stadium.