Author: Neil Vierzba

Coming Off Sweep of Miami, UMD Men’s Hockey Returns Home to Face #9 Western Michigan

Western Michigan has won four of their last six against UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will be at home this upcoming weekend as they welcome in NCHC foe Western Michigan. It was a series to celebrate for the Dogs last week with UMD picking up their 2nd sweep of the season against Miami of Ohio. The Bulldogs outscored the Redhawks 12 to 2 in order to accomplish that…

Hayward Girls Hoops Opens Season with Overtime Win in Superior

Hayward (1-0) is set to host Bloomer on November 21st.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Both the Hayward and Superior girls basketball teams opened up their regular seasons on Tuesday. It took overtime to decide a winner and the Hurricanes eventually came out on top 60 to 58. Melody Isham finished with 13 points for Hayward. Annabel Mannion had a team-leading 23 points for the Spartans. Ava Meierotto was just behind her with…

UMD Men’s Basketball Moves Up to #6 in NABC Coaches Poll

UMD is off to a 3-0 start this season, most recently picking up a 73 to 43 win against Wisconsin Parkside on Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team saw a jump in the NABC coaches poll on Tuesday. The Bulldogs are now ranked 6th after previously being ranked 13th a week ago. UMD is off to a 3-0 start this season, most recently picking up a 73 to 43 win against Wisconsin Parkside on Sunday. The Bulldogs are next in action…

Duluth Marshall Boys Hoops Hoping to Make Even Bigger Step in 2024-2025 Season

The Duluth Marshall boys basketball team is coming off a bounce back season in which they turned a 4-23 record into a 15-13 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys basketball team is coming off a bounce back season in which they turned a 4-23 record into a 15-13 record. And with most of their core returning, including seniors Brooks Johnson and Josh Johnson, the Hilltoppers are going to be in the mix for the Section 7 AA title. Head Coach Cam Berger said he…

Stealth Senior Kale Smith to Play College Lacrosse at Montevallo

Just last season, Smith found the back of the net 31 times and also had 23 assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown’s/Proctor’s Kale Smith is set to play for the University of Montevallo in Alabama next year. With the move, Smith is the first D2 commit in program history for the Stealth. Just last season, he found the back of the net 31 times and also had 23 assists. Smith and the Stealth finished their 2024 campaign with a…

Ashland’s Michael Zunker Commits to St. Scholastica Baseball

Zunker has been all-conference the past two seasons.

ASHLAND, Wis.- An Ashland baseball standout will soon call the Twin Ports home. Pitcher and infielder Michael Zunker announced his commitment to St. Scholastica. He’s been recognized by the Heart O’North conference the past two seasons, landing on the 2nd team in 2023 and making it up to the first team this past year. Zunker and Ashland went 15-14 in…

Duluth Native Greg Anderson Wins 6th NHRA Pro Stock Title

He's now tied 2nd all-time with Warren Johnson and Erica Enders.

POMONA, California.- A Duluth native chased a bit of history over the weekend as Greg Anderson continues to move up the ranks for most NHRA pro stock title wins. On Sunday, Anderson raced against his teammate Dallas Glenn in a winner-take-all final round at the NHRA finals. And it would come down to a two thousandths of a second difference…

James & Gajan Claim NCHC Weekly Honors After Sweep at Miami

UMD returns home this weekend to host Western Michigan.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a successful weekend that resulted in a sweep of Miami of Ohio, two UMD men’s hockey players earned weekly honors in the NCHC on Monday. Forward Dominic James picks up his 2nd Forward of the Week award this year after posting five points against the Red Hawks. In net, Adam Gajan takes NCHC Goaltender of the Week…

UMD Women’s Basketball Drops Home Opener to Wisconsin-Parkside

Myra Moorjani had a team-leading 15 points for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team held their home opener on Monday night against Wisconsin-Parkside. After a close battle in the 1st half, the Rangers pulled ahead in the 2nd and didn’t look back as they came away with the 79-69 victory. Myra Moorjani had a team-leading 15 points for the Bulldogs. UMD (1-2) will next host Northern Michigan…

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays at #4 in USCHO Poll

UMD will look to bounce back this weekend when they continue their homestand with a two-game series against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team once again sees no movement in the latest USCHO Poll. After being swept by 3rd ranked Minnesota this past weekend, the Bulldogs remain the number four team in the country. UMD will look to bounce back this weekend when they continue their homestand with a two-game series against Bemidji State. The Bulldogs have…

Northwestern’s Bryce Ronchi to Play College Football at UW-Stout

Just this past season, Ronchi was a touchdown machine as he found the end zone 18 times.

MAPLE, Wis.- A Northwestern football standout announced the next step in his playing career. On Sunday night, Tigers running back and linebacker Bryce Ronchi declared his intentions to play for UW-Stout next fall. Just this past season, Ronchi was a touchdown machine as he found the end zone 18 times. He could also get it done on the defensive side…

UW-Superior Men’s Soccer Knocks Off St. Olaf to Advance to First-Ever Sweet Sixteen

UWS will next face Amherst on Saturday at Simpson Field in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

NORTHFIELD, Minn.- For the first time in program history, the UW-Superior men’s soccer team will be playing in the sweet sixteen of the national tournament. On Sunday, the Yellowjackets knocked off the defending champions, St. Olaf, 4-2 in penalty kicks to secure the upset. Felipe Oliveira and Josh Bellamy were the goal-scorers in regulation. In the PK’s, UWS scored all…

Top Play of the Week: 11/15

At number one, UWS goaltender Jack Boschert gets his glove up to knock away a scoring threat from St. Scholastica.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes from on the ice. At number one, UWS goaltender Jack Boschert gets his glove up to knock away a scoring threat from St. Scholastica. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

College Hockey: UWS Sneaks By Scholastica Men, Scholastica Women Drop OT Contest to St. Ben’s

All teams will return to the ice on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the St. Scholastica men’s and women’s hockey teams were on their home ice on Friday. The men’s team welcomed in their rivals from across the bridge in UW-Superior. Tied at 1-1 late in the period, UWS scored the go-ahead goal with 1:04 left in the contest for the 2-1 victory. UWS improves to 2-0-1 and will play…

UWS Men’s Basketball Extends Bridge Battle Win Streak to Three Over CSS

The Yellowjackets were led by J'Vaun Walker, who had 22 points in the win.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For the 3rd straight year, the UW-Superior men’s basketball team took bragging rights over St. Scholastica, 84 to 73. The Yellowjackets were led by J’Vaun Walker, who had 22 points in the win. As for the Saints, Tanner Thomson was the high-scorer with 16. UWS improves to 2-1 and will next host Macalester on Saturday. CSS falls to…

Cherry’s Noah Asuma to Play College Baseball at University of Minnesota

Just this past season, Asuma had a batting average of .524 with four home runs and 31 runs batted in.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Another Asuma will soon call the University of Minnesota home. On Thursday, junior infielder Noah Asuma announced his college commitment to the Golden Gophers. Just this past season, Asuma had a batting average of .524 with four home runs and 31 runs batted in. The year prior was even better as he went .632 at the dish…

UWS Libero Jenna Anderson Claims Two UMAC Player of the Year Honors, Hohbein Named Co-Rookie

Anderson was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The week of UMAC awards continues on the volleyball court. UW-Superior libero Jenna Anderson takes home the league’s top prize by being named the Player of the Year. That wasn’t the only award for the senior as she was also named Defensive Player of the Year after posting 788 digs. As for the rookie of the year, Makenna…

UMD Senior Samantha Paulsen Earns NSIC First-Team Honors for 2nd Straight Year

Paulsen currently leads the team in points, kills, and hitting percentage.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD volleyball’s Samantha Paulsen was named to the NSIC 1st Team on Wednesday. It’s the second time in her career she has picked up first-team honors. Paulsen currently leads the team in points, kills, and hitting percentage. Just recently, she was also named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week. Paulsen and the Bulldogs will close on the regular…

State Football: Late INT Halts MIB Comeback Against Hills-Beaver Creek in Semifinals

Mountain Iron-Buhl finishes the year with a 12-1 overall record.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- It came down to one last drive between Hills-Beaver Creek and Mountain Iron-Buhl to decide a winner in the 9-man semifinals on Thursday. Unfortunately, a late interception by Sawyer Bosch with 13 seconds left ended the Rangers season as they fell 26 to 20. Micaden Clines had two touchdowns to lead MIB offensively, one of which was through…

Northern Star: UWS Men’s & Women’s Soccer

The UWS men's team is set for their 7th national tournament in eight years. And the women are gearing up for their 4th straight.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UW-Superior continues to prove that it is a soccer school. On Saturday, both the Yellowjacket men’s and women’s squads recaptured their UMAC conference crowns. “This group just really has a different dynamic. There’s such a good balance of enjoyment and buy in and intensity. I really do think the care for one another is something we always talk…

Duluth East Ski Coach Bonnie Fuller-Kask Inducted Into MSCHA Hall of Fame

Fuller-Kask has been coaching the Greyhounds for the last 28 years.

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime Duluth East head coach has been inducted in the MSCHA Nordic Ski Hall of Fame. Bonnie Fuller-Kask joins the 2024 class. She’s been coaching the Greyhounds for the last 28 years. During her time so far, she’s had eight state meet championship teams and one individual state champion. She also was named coach of the year…

#4 UMD Women’s Hockey Faces Another Top Foe in #3 Minnesota

Recently, the head to head matchup has been in Minnesota's favor as they've won eight out of the last 10 contests.

DULUTH, Minn.- Half of the games that the UMD women’s hockey team has played in this year has been against a top seven team in the country. That trend continues this weekend when the 4th ranked Bulldogs host the 3rd ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. Recently, the head to head matchup has been in Minnesota’s favor as they’ve won eight out…

UMD Men’s Hockey Continues Conference Slate with Trip to Miami (OH)

UMD holds a 6-2-2 record in their last 10 meetings with Miami.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will hit the road for the 2nd time this season when they travel to play Miami of Ohio this weekend. The Bulldogs are eager to get back on track as they dropped both games to 10th ranked North Dakota to go to 3-6 on the year. And if history holds, UMD has a…

Nine From UWS Men’s Soccer Pick Up UMAC Conference Honors

UWS takes on North Park Saturday in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s soccer team was well represented in the end of the year UMAC awards. Forward Jake Kidd was named the Offensive Player of the Year after tallying 24 goals so far. His teammate Harry Ambler was awarded Defensive Player of the Year honors. The team also had eight players on the All-UMAC teams. And lastly, head…

Manns, Adamski, & Schimek to Represent North at MFCA All-Star Game

The game takes place on December 14th at U.S. Bank Stadium.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Two Northland football standouts will get the chance to represent their schools one last time. On Tuesday, the Minnesota High School Football All-Star Game rosters were announced and set to suit up for the North team is Denfeld’s Taye Manns and Hermantown’s Aidan Adamski. The two are among the 88 players that will compete in the game on…

UMD Football to Close Out 2024 Campaign By Taking On Rivals MSU-Mankato

UMD has taken two out of the last three meetings against Minnesota State-Mankato.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday will mark the end of the 2024 campaign for the UMD football team as they hold their season finale against rivals Minnesota State-Mankato. The Bulldogs enter the game red hot as they’ve won their last three, including a 35 to 7 drubbing against Concordia-St. Paul last Saturday. Mankato on the other hand, has won their last two….

Superior’s Brynn Johnson Staying Home to Play College Soccer for UW-Superior

The current senior had seven goals and five assists last season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Current Spartan Brynn Johnson announced her college commitment to the UW-Superior women’s soccer team on Monday night. The now senior had seven goals and five assists last season. She was also named Big Rivers All-Conference honorable mention. Johnson is set to be one of the captains for the Spartans this upcoming spring. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Runner Franny Seidel Qualifies for 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships

Seidel is the first Bulldog individual to qualify since 2010, when Morgan Place finished 5th overall.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Franny Seidel is set to compete for an NCAA championship on November 23rd in Sacramento, California. She’s the first Bulldog individual to qualify since 2010, when Morgan Place finished 5th overall. This past weekend, Seidel placed 12th at the NCAA D2 Central Region championship with a time of 21:29:36, earning all-region honors. She also ran a season…

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays at #4 in USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs return to action this upcoming weekend when they welcome in the 3rd ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The latest USCHO poll for women’s hockey was released Monday morning. After having a bye week last weekend, the UMD women’s hockey team sees no movement as they remain the 4th ranked team in the country. The Bulldogs return to action this upcoming weekend when they welcome in the 3rd ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. Just last year, UMD…

UWS Men’s Soccer Draws North Park in 1st Round of NCAA Tournament

The Yellowjackets are making their 7th national tournament appearance in eight years.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Another year and another NCAA tournament berth for the UW-Superior men’s soccer team as the Yellowjackets clinched an automatic bid on Saturday, defeating Bethany Lutheran 6 to 2 in the UMAC title game. Monday, the NCAA selection show for division three took place and the Yellowjackets learned they will face North Park in the first round. The Vikings…

UWS Women’s Soccer to Clash with Carleton in Opening Round of NCAA Tournament

This is the 4th straight season UWS has advanced to the national tournament.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Like the UWS men’s soccer team, it was also selection Monday for the UWS women’s team as they are set to make their 4th straight national tournament after topping Bethany Lutheran four to nothing on Saturday in the conference title game. The Yellowjackets will meet up with Carleton, who play out of the MIAC conference. Surprisingly the two…

Top Play of the Week: 11/8

At number one, UWS' Halle Carlson gets the rainbow of a shot to go for the goal.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This week’s top plays comes from on the pitch. At number one, UWS’ Halle Carlson gets the rainbow of a shot to go for the goal. UWS will host Bethany Lutheran on Saturday in the UMAC Championship game. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

#10 North Dakota Handles UMD Men’s Hockey to Take Game One of Series

The two teams will meet again on Saturday night with puck drop set for 6:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team opened up conference play on Friday night as they took on #10 North Dakota. Unfortunately, the Fighting Hawks jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back as they won the contest 7 to 3 Anthony Menghini had all three goals for the Bulldogs. The two teams will meet again on Saturday…

State Football: Moose Lake/Willow River & Deer River Fall Short in Quarterfinals

Mountain Iron-Buhl is the lone remaining Northland team in the state tournament.

BRAINERD, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River football team made their 4th straight state tournament appearance on Friday night. Rebels met up with a tough Kimball Cubs squad in the AA quarterfinals, who ended up shutting out Moose Lake 38 to 0. The Rebels finish the year with a 9-3 record. In other state football action, Deer River made their return…

State Volleyball: Ely & Hermantown Eliminated in Consolation Semifinals

The Timberwolves and Hawks were the last remaining Northland teams in the tournament.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Ely volleyball team looked to extend their season on Friday against New Life Academy in the Class A consolation semifinals. After taking the first two sets, the Timberwolves saw their lead slip away as they fell in five sets. Ely finishes the season with a record of 28-5. In other state volleyball action, Hermantown saw their…

State Football: MIB Clinches Spot in Semifinals, Hermantown & Cromwell-Wright See Seasons End

The Rangers will next play on November 14th at 1 PM at U.S. Bank Stadium. Opponent is still to be determined.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Three Northland prep football teams began state tournament play on Thursday. In 9-man action, Mountain Iron-Buhl celebrated their fourth straight state tournament appearance by defeating Stephen-Argyle Central in the quarterfinals, 38 to 6. MIB was led by Derik Dahl and Micaden Clines, who each had two scores in the victory. The Rangers will next play on November…

State Volleyball: Ely’s Title Hopes Ended By Minneota in Class A Quarterfinals

The Timberwolves now head into consolation play and will next play on Friday at 3 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Ely volleyball team made their 3rd straight state tournament appearance on Thursday night. Unfortunately like the last two state tournaments, their title hopes ended in the Class A quarterfinals as Ely fell to Minneota in straight sets. The scores were 25-17, 25-20, and 25-16. The Timberwolves now head into consolation play and will next play on…

UMD Men’s Hoops Relying on Experience Heading Into Season Opener

UMD to face Southeastern Oklahoma State for first time on Friday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a couple of exhibition bouts the past two weeks, the UMD men’s basketball team will tip things off for real on Friday night. It all starts with Southeastern Oklahoma State as the Bulldogs will host the Savage Storm as part of the American Family Insurance Classic. UMD has never played Southeastern Oklahoma State before. On top of…

Northern Star: Kyle Walljasper

In the Bulldogs most recent game, Walljasper totaled six touchdowns against Winona State.

DULUTH, Minn.- In his 3rd full season as the UMD quarterback, Kyle Walljasper continues to find the end zone. In the Bulldogs most recent game, Walljasper totaled six against Winona State. “Our gameplan was really good with our rushing attack. We made a couple adjustments and our o-line, tight ends, fullbacks, running backs all played a really big part in that….

Unbeaten Delano Handles Hermantown Volleyball in State AAA Quarterfinals

Hermantown is making their first state tournament appearance since 2016.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team made their first state tournament appearance since 2016 on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the Hawks ran into unbeaten Delano in the AAA quarterfinals as the Tigers won in straight sets. The scores were 25-15, 25-20, and 25-10. Hermantown now heads into consolation play. They’ll next play Mahtomedi on Friday morning at 9 AM. Categories: High…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Open Conference Slate Against North Dakota

UMD will try to turn around the recent trend against UND, as they've won only two out of their last 10 meetings.

DULUTH, Minn.- This upcoming weekend will mark the start of conference play for the UMD men’s hockey team. And what a way to start as the Bulldogs will welcome in the Fighting Hawks of North Dakota into Amsoil Arena. UMD will try to turn around the recent trend against UND, as they’ve won only two out of their last 10…

Mirage Forward Jane Eckstrom to Play College Hockey at Hamline University

In three full seasons with the Mirage, Eckstrom has tallied 78 total points.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Proctor/Hermantown forward Jane Eckstrom announced where she’s heading next to play college hockey earlier this week. Eckstrom is set to suit upfor the Hamline Pipers beginning next fall. In three full seasons with the Mirage, she has tallied 78 total points. The Mirage and Eckstrom host Warroad on Friday to begin the season. Categories: High School, Sports

After Eight-Year Wait, Hermantown Volleyball Back in the State Tournament

Hermantown clinched Section 7AAA title on October 31st.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- In recent years, the Hermantown volleyball team has come close to making it to the state tournament. That included three section 7AAA semifinal defeats. However, the streak is no more. The Hawks are state bound for the first time since 2016. They made that possible last Thursday when they topped North Branch in the section title game in…

UMD’s Caitlin Kraemer Named WCHA Rookie of the Week

This is the 2nd honor Kraemer has earned as she previously was named WCHA Rookie of the Month in September.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD freshman forward Caitlin Kraemer has been named WCHA Rookie of the Week. Kraemer tallied two goals in UMD’s 4 to 1 victory over Minnesota State-Mankato on Friday night. So far this season, she has five goals and one assist. This is the 2nd honor Kraemer has earned as she previously was named WCHA Rookie of the Month…

UMD Football & Walljasper Coming Off Monster Game in Winona

Walljasper had six touchdowns in UMD's 42-38 win over Winona State.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was victory Monday for the UMD football team. The Bulldogs were finally able to have a one-score contest go their way on Saturday as a late touchdown by Kyle Walljasper lifted UMD past Winona State, 42 to 38. The last score by Walljasper capped off a monster day as he finished with 6 total touchdowns and 420…

Minnesota State Volleyball Matchups Announced

Two Northland teams are set to play at the Xcel Energy Center beginning on Wednesday.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- On Sunday, the MSHSL announced the volleyball matchups for the upcoming state tournament. Two Northland teams are set to play at the Xcel Energy Center beginning on Wednesday. In Class A, Ely draws the 7th seed and will face the 2nd seed Minneota at 7 PM on Thursday. It’s the 3rd straight state tournament appearance for the…

Ely Volleyball Defends Section 7A Title, Advances to State for 3rd Straight Season

Ely defeated Bigfork in straight sets on Saturday in Hermantown.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Ely volleyball team defended their section 7A title on Saturday, defeating Bigfork in straight sets. The scores were: (27-25, 25-15, 25-18). “The third year feels just as good as the first. It really is cool. Every team is different, it’s just really neat to experience that with every single team we’ve had the last three years. It…

Esko Volleyball’s Fast Start Cooled Off By Rush City in Section 7AA Title Game

Esko finishes the year with a 24-6 record.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- For the fourth straight season, the Esko volleyball team saw their season end in defeat to the Rush City Tigers. Playing in the Section 7AA title game, Esko won the first set but dropped the next three as the Tigers claimed the title in four sets. The scores were (16-25, 25-13, 25-9, 25-20). Esko finishes the year with…

Minnesota State Football Matchups Announced

The first state tournament games begin on November 7th.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- On Saturday, the state football matchups in Minnesota were announced. Five Northland teams are set to compete for a state title. In 9-Player, Mountain Iron-Buhl earns the top seed and will face Stephen-Argyle Central in the quarterfinals. That contest takes place on November 7th at Grand Rapids High School. Kickoff is at 7 PM. Joining the Rangers in…

Hermantown Rallies Past North Branch to Claim First Section 7AAAA Title Since 2018

This will be Hermantown's first state tournament appearance since 2018.

DULUTH, Minn.- It didn’t look good at times in the first. But, the Hermantown football team rallied in the 2nd half against North Branch on Friday night for the 7AAAA title. Martin Sleen had a seven yard rushing touchdown late in the game to give the Hawks the eventual 35 to 28 victory. Alex Schott pitched in with two touchdown…