Author: Neil Vierzba

UMD’s Reece Hunt Signs Pro Deal with Club in Sweden

In her lone season at UMD, Hunt tallied 18 goals and 16 assists for a total of 34 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD forward Reece Hunt is going pro and she’s going overseas to do so. On Friday, Hunt signed with Varat Gang, a club in the Lulea Hockey League in Sweden. In her lone season at UMD, Hunt tallied 18 goals and 16 assists for a total of 34 points. Before her time as a Bulldog, she spent four…

Northwestern’s Cooper Lawton to Play College Football at UMD

Lawton is coming off a monster season in which he tallied 16 touchdowns and over 1,100 rushing yards.

MAPLE, Wis.- A Northwestern football standout won’t have to travel far for his next team. On Thursday, junior running back and linebacker Cooper Lawton announced his commitment to UMD. He’s coming off a monster season in which he tallied 16 touchdowns and over 1,100 rushing yards. It’s a family affair as Lawton’s dad suited up and played offensive line for the…

Foley Halts Esko’s Chances at Repeating as Class AA State Champions

Esko defeated Le Sueur-Henderson 4-1 to claim 3rd place in Class AA.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Esko baseball team needed just one more win in order to advance to their 2nd straight Class AA state title game. Sadly, Foley spoiled that opportunity for Esko as they came away with a 4-0 victory on Friday afternoon in the semifinals. Trey Emmerich struck out 13 batters on the mound to lead the Falcons. Following…

Springfield Tops Cherry in “Battle of the Tigers” for Class A Title Game Berth

Cherry places 4th after they fell to Sacred Heart 5-3 in the 3rd place game.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Cherry baseball team saw their impressive season come to a close on Friday, falling to Springfield 4 to 2 in the Class A semifinals. A three-run 5th inning by Springfield proved to be the difference maker as they took a 4 to 1 lead into the later innings. Noah Sundquist was responsible for both of Cherry’s…

Mahtomedi Ends Grand Rapids’ Title Hopes for 2nd Straight Season

Grand Rapids took 3rd place after defeating Benilde-St. Margaret's 4-1.

CHASKA, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team entered state tournament play on Friday with a chance at redemption. The Thunderhawks met up with the Zephyrs of Mahtomedi for the 2nd straight year in the AAA semifinals. Sadly, like last year Mahtomedi came away with the victory as they ended Grand Rapids’ title hopes, 5 to 3. The Zephyrs put up…

Superior City FC Women’s Fast Start Not Enough as Twins Stars Rally for Win

Superior City FC's next game is June 16th at Vlora FC.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City FC women’s team struck first in their matchup against the Minnesota Twin Stars on Friday. Mya Holmquist completed the header to make it 1-0 Beacons at the 28th minute. Unfortunately after that, the Twin Stars responded with three unanswered goals to take the 3 to 1 victory. Superior City FC’s next game is June 16th…

Making First State Tournament Appearance in 16 Years, Cherry Victorious in Class A Quarterfinal

Cherry will next face Springfield at 1:30 PM on Friday.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Cherry baseball team achieved a bit of history as they made their first state tournament appearance in 16 years on Thursday. Cherry matched up with Lac qui Parle Valley in the Class A quarterfinals. It would be a fast start for the Tigers as they put up four runs in the bottom of the 1st. That…

Esko Baseball Plates Three in First Inning, Holds On Against Montevideo in AA Quarterfinals

Esko will next face Foley in the semifinals on Friday. First pitch is at 1:30 PM.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Esko baseball team began their Class AA state title defense on Thursday, facing Montevideo in the AA quarterfinals. Esko started fast, plating three runs in the bottom of the first, that included RBI’s from Bobby Thornton and Bryce Hipp. The team had a little bit of a scare in the 4th though, with the Eagles putting…

Two-Run 5th Lifts Grand Rapids Past Mankato East in AAA Quarterfinals

The Thunderhawks will next play Mahtomedi in the semifinals on Friday. First pitch is at noon.

CHASKA, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team made their record-setting 22nd state appearance on Thursday. They celebrated in style, coming away with the 4 to 3 win over Mankato East in the Class AAA quarterfinals. Easton Sjostrand pitched all seven innings, striking out eight batters. The Thunderhawks will next play Mahtomedi in the semifinals on Friday. First pitch is at…

Northwood/Solon Springs Baseball’s First State Tournament Ends in D4 Title Game Loss

Northwood/Solon Springs finishes the season with a 20-2 overall record.

GRAND CHUTE, Wis.- The Northwood/Solon Springs baseball team played in their first-ever state title game on Friday, as they battled with Eleva-Strum. Unfortunately, the Cardinals were just too much for the Green Eagles. Eleva-Strum put up seven runs in the first and four runs in the 2nd en route to an 11-1 victory. Blaise Kidder tallied the lone RBI for…

Grand Rapids Baseball Gears Up for Record-Setting 22nd State Tournament

Grand Rapids will take on Mankato East at 10 AM on Thursday in Chaska.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team achieved history even before they play their first game at state on Thursday. And that’s make the tourney a MSHSL record 22nd time. In recent years, the team has had some success on the big stage. Under head coach Bill Kinnunen, the Thunderhawks have gone 6-1 in 1st round games. Rapids also…

Rain Wins as Loggers & Huskies Series Finale Suspended

Duluth will next welcome in the Wausau Woodchucks into town on Thursday for a two-game series.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Huskies and the Loggers tried to give it a go on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, they would only get through a half inning with La Crosse leading 1-0. The game was then suspended and will be made up in a doubleheader on June 25th. Duluth will next welcome in the Wausau Woodchucks into town on Thursday for a…

Three Hermantown Hawks & Two Proctor Rails Selected in NAHL Draft

Hermantown's Weston Bohlman was the first local standout off the board as he was taken by North Iowa in the 4th round.

DULUTH, Minn.- Plenty of area hockey players hoped to hear their named called at the NAHL Draft on Wednesday. Hermantown’s Weston Bohlman was the first local standout off the board as he was taken by North Iowa in the 4th round. Next, were a pair of Proctor Rails as Kennan Reyelts went to Aberdeen at pick 159 and Tanner Ross…

Huskies Kick-Start Homestand By Chopping Down Loggers

Huskies improve to 9-6 and will once again face off against the Loggers on Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies began a four-game homestand on Tuesday night and they did so with a win. After a slow offensive start for both teams, Duluth put up a five spot in the bottom of the 6th to eventually take the 8 to 4 victory. Charlie Sutherland went 2 for 4 with one run batted in to lead…

Former Bulldogs Bell & Soderberg Named to PWHL All-Rookie Team

Ottawa's Ashton Bell and Boston's Emma Soderberg are two of the six players that make up the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two former UMD Bulldogs have landed on the PWHL All-Rookie Team. Ottawa’s Ashton Bell and Boston’s Emma Soderberg are two of the six players that make up the team. In 24 games this season, Bell tallied two goals and five assists. Soderberg on the other hand, had a goals against average of 2.54 with a record of 4-3…

Northwood/Solon Springs Baseball to Play for Division 4 State Title

Northwood/Solon Springs will next face Eleva-Strum in the championship game on Thursday. First pitch is at 9:05 AM.

GRAND CHUTE, Wis.- In their first-ever state tournament appearance, the Northwood/Solon Springs baseball team will play for their first-ever state championship. On Tuesday, the Green Eagles shut out Johnson Creek, 7-0 in the state semifinals. Abraham Ahlberg pitched a gem, throwing 6 2/3 innings of shutout baseball on the mound. He also had three hits offensively with one run batted…

Resilient Esko Baseball Team Set to Defend AA Title at State Tournament

First pitch between Esko and Montevideo is set for 3 PM on Thursday in St. Cloud.

ESKO, Minn.- There were points in the Section 7 AA tournament where it looked like the Esko baseball team wouldn’t be able to defend their Class AA state title. The first instance of adversity came in the quarterfinal round where Esko would trail 7 to 1 to Proctor at one point, only to rally back and walk it off 9…

Ottawa Selects UMD Captain Mannon McMahon, Linser Picked By Toronto in PWHL Draft

McMahon and Linser are the 12th and 13th Bulldogs in program history to be drafted in the PWHL.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Six former Bulldogs entered the PWHL Draft on Monday night hoping to hear their name called. In the end, two would get to call of a lifetime. Captain Mannon McMahon was taken with the 2nd pick in the 5th round by PWHL Ottawa. Just this past season, she had 31 points for the Bulldogs. McMahon joins an…

Former Greyhound & Thunderhawk Kaden Nelson to Play College Hockey at Michigan State

Nelson last suited up for the Thunderhawks in 2022. In 27 games, he had 19 goals and 30 assists.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Former Grand Rapids and Duluth East product Kaden Nelson is going to the Division one ranks. Over the weekend, Nelson announced his commitment to Michigan State, out of the Big Ten. Nelson last suited up for the Thunderhawks in 2022. In 27 games, he had 19 goals and 30 assists. Before his time at Rapids, he skated…

St. Scholastica Women’s Basketball Adds Sarah Hart to Coaching Staff

Hart comes from Thomas More University, where she was an assistant for the past two seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica has added to their women’s basketball staff, picking Sarah Hart as their new assistant. Hart comes from Thomas More University, where she was an assistant for the past two seasons. Before her time there, she was a student-athlete at St. Bonaventure for one season before transferring to Ashland University in Ohio for the remainder of her…

Northland College Hires Ashland Native Nicholas Nemec as New Cross Country Coach

Nemec previously served as the cross country coach at Ashland Middle School.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College has a new head cross country coach. Ashland native Nicholas Nemec is set to lead the team for the upcoming 2024 season. He’s previously served as the cross country coach at Ashland Middle School. Nemec also has some experience at his alma mater, as he was a volunteer coach at UW-Superior. During his playing days, Nemec…

Coaches Corner: Otto Berti

Berti is in his 2nd season leading the team.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Superior City FC Head Men’s Coach Otto Berti. Berti is in his 2nd season leading the team. So far this year, Superior City FC has a record of 3-4. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Top Plays of the Week: 6/7

In this week’s top plays it was an Esko baseball takeover.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s top plays it was an Esko baseball takeover. At number two, A heads up play by catcher Bryce Hipp. Hilltoppers pop up the bunt, Hipp loses his mask and then lays out to make the diving catch. At number one, Isaak Sertich intially loses the ball, he recovers, and then zips it over to Jamis…

2025 Men’s & Women’s Curling National Championships Coming to DECC

It's the first time Minnesota has held a National Championship since 2008 when the Hibbing Curling Club hosted the event.

DULUTH, Minn.- Curling has become a sport that continues to grow here in the Northland. So it’s no surprise that a major event is coming to the Twin Ports in the beginning of 2025. On Thursday, USA Curling announced that the 2025 Men’s & Women’s National Championships will take place at the DECC. It’s the first time Minnesota has held…

MSHSL Announces Seeding Changes for Basketball & Hockey State Tournaments

The league has adopted a "seed them all" policy for hockey and basketball.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two Minnesota State High School League tournaments will see a change to how they seed teams going forward. Announced earlier this week, the league has adopted a “seed them all” policy for hockey and basketball. That means that all eight teams will be seeded one through eight. Previously, they would seed one through five and have the final…

Cherry Baseball Heading to State Tournament for First Time Since 2008

This is the 3rd time in program history that the Tigers have advanced to the state tournament. (1997, 2008, 2024)

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The Cherry baseball team needed just one win on Thursday to advance to their first state tournament in 16 years. South Ridge made them work for it though as they took game one 9 to 3 in the Section 7A finals. In game two, the Tigers bounced back for the 4-1 win, snapping the lengthy drought. This is…

Moose Lake/Willow River & Proctor Softball Close Out Seasons With Consolation Losses

Proctor finishes the year at 20-6. Meanwhile, Moose Lake/Willow River went 14-11.

MANKATO, Minn- Both the Moose Lake/Willow River and Proctor softball teams entered Thursday hoping to prolong their seasons in the consolation brackets at state. Unfortunately, Proctor fell short in their first contest of the day, falling 7-4 to Glencoe-Silver Lake in the AA consolation semifinals. Moose Lake on the other hand, topped Northome/Kelliher 12-2 in the A consolation semifinals. That…

Northwood/Solon Springs Baseball Draws #3 Seed at State, Will Play #2 Johnson Creek

The game will take place Tuesday, June 11th at Neuroscience Group Field in Grand Chute, Wisconsin.

MINONG, Wis.- Earlier this week, the Northwood/Solon Springs baseball team punched their first-ever ticket to the state tournament with a 10 to 2 win over Rib Lake in the D4 Sectional Final. On Thursday, they learned their seeding and who their first round opponent will be. The Green Eagles drew the 3rd seed and will match up with 2nd seeded…

Hibbing/Chisholm Names Alum & Former Assistant Aaron Jamnick as New Head Boys Hockey Coach

Just this past season, the Bluejackets posted a 19-9 record with a Section 7A championship game appearance.

HIBBING, Minn.- Hibbing/Chisholm has a new boys hockey head coach. But, he’s very familiar to the program. Longtime assistant coach Aaron Jamnick takes over as the lead bench boss after the school board approved his hiring Wednesday evening. Just this past season, the Bluejackets posted a 19-9 record with a Section 7A championship game appearance. Jamnick has been with the…

R-T-R Handles Moose Lake/Willow River Softball in Class A Quarterfinals

Moose Lake/Willow River will next face Northome/Kelliher in the consolation bracket. First pitch is at 11:30 AM on Thursday.

MANKATO, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team made their 3rd straight state tournament appearance on Wednesday. Their opponent on the other hand was Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, who was making their first-ever trip to state. The Knights showed they were not your average first timers as they came away with the 10 to 0 victory in the A quarterfinals. Moose Lake/Willow River…

Grand Rapids Baseball Takes Two from Duluth Denfeld to Claim 4th Straight 7AAA Title

The Thunderhawks have made it to the state tournament now 22 times.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team entered Wednesday needing two wins against Duluth Denfeld to advance back to the state tournament. The Thunderhawks left no doubt as they took game one 10-0 and game two 2-0 to win the Class AAA section title. Rapids advances to the state tournament for the fourth straight year. It’s also the 22nd time…

Duluth Marshall Baseball Blanks Esko for Spot in Section 7AA Title Game

Duluth Marshall will face Esko again in the Section 7AA championship on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the most anticipated rematch in Section 7AA, the Duluth Marshall baseball team once again reigned supreme over Esko on Thursday. In the Section 7AA semifinals, Marshall would put up five runs in the 5th inning and three in the 6th to eventually take down Esko 9-0. Owen Marsolek was stellar on the mound for the Hilltoppers, only…

St. Agnes Defeats Proctor Softball for 2nd Year in a Row in Class AA Quarterfinals

Proctor now goes to the consolation bracket where they will play Glencoe-Silver Lake on Thursday. First pitch is at 11:30 AM.

MANKATO, Minn.- The Proctor softball team began state tournament play on Wednesday in Mankato. Unfortunately like last season, their title hopes were dashed by St. Agnes, as they fell to the Aggies 5-0 in the AA quarterfinals. Proctor now goes to the consolation bracket where they will play Glencoe-Silver Lake on Thursday. First pitch is at 11:30 AM. Categories: High…

Northwood/Solon Springs Baseball Advances to State for First Time in Program History

The Green Eagles defeated Washburn and Rib Lake to clinch a spot at state.

BRUCE, Wis.- The Northwood/Solon Springs baseball team entered the day needing two wins to advance to their first-ever state tournament. After a combined no-hitter by Jared Schultz and Isaiah Ahlberg in game one against Washburn in the semifinals, it was onto the sectional finals where they met up with Rib Lake. The Green Eagles took a 4-2 lead heading into…

St. Scholastica Softball Hires Former Player Grace Hadlich as New Assistant Coach

Hadlich just finished up her four-year career with the Saints this past spring.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica softball has added to their coaching staff and it’s a familiar face. Now former player Grace Hadlich has joined the coaching staff. She just finished up her four-year career with the Saints this past spring. During that time, Hadlich played in 136 games and became the all-time leader in hit-by-pitches. She could also hit the ball…

Proctor Softball Seeks Redemption in Quarterfinal Matchup Against St. Agnes

The Aggies defeated the Rails 2-1 in last year's quarterfinals.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor softball team has come close to securing the top prize in recent trips to state, that includes a state championship game appearance in 2022. Ultimately now, they’re hoping the 3rd time is the charm as they get set to face St. Agnes in the Class AA quarterfinals on Wednesday. A team Proctor is very familiar with…

Moose Lake/Willow River Boasts Experience in 1st Round Contest vs. R-T-R

The Rebels are set to make their 3rd straight state tournament appearance on Wednesday.

WILLOW RIVER, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team is no stranger to the state tournament in Mankato. The Rebels are set to make their 3rd straight state tournament appearance Wednesday when they clash with Russell-Tyler- Ruthton in the Class A quarterfinals. Moose Lake had a taste of the title game in 2022, before falling to Nicollet 3 to 2….

Norsemen Boys Volleyball Falls to Bemidji in Northern Minnesota Section Title Game

The Norsemen finish the year with a 6-2 overall record.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown boys volleyball team saw their season come to a close on Monday. Facing Bemidji in the Northern Minnesota section title game, the Norsemen’s rally fell short as Bemidji won the contest in five sets. The scores were: 1st: 28-26, Bemidji 2nd: 25-22, Bemidji 3rd: 25-22, Proctor/Hermantown 4th: 25-22, Proctor/Hermantown 5th: 15-12, Bemidji The Norsemen finish the…

After 9 Seasons at UMD, Maura Crowell Accepts Head Coaching Position at Dartmouth

Crowell had an overall record of 174-115-28 with the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- When the UMD women’s hockey team enters play next season, they’ll be doing so with a new head coach. After nine seasons, Maura Crowell is departing the program and will be the next head coach at Dartmouth College. Crowell led the Bulldogs to four straight NCAA tournament appearances, a NCAA title runner-up finish in 2022, two NCAA Frozen…

Wolfpack Boys Lacrosse Rallies to Defeat Blaine in Section 7 Quarterfinals, Wolfpack Girls Eliminated

The Wolfpack boys will next host Champlin Park on June 4th at 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the Duluth Wolfpack boys and girls lacrosse teams opened postseason play on Thursday. Unfortunately, only one of the teams extended their season. Andover spoiled the festivities a little bit by taking down the Wolfpack girls, 13 to 7. Following that contest, the Wolfpack boys rallied in the 2nd half to defeat Blaine, 9 to 6. The Wolfpack…

Prep Baseball: Duluth Marshall & Esko to Clash in 7AA Semifinals, Denfeld Clinches Spot in 7AAA Semis

Duluth Marshall and Esko will meet up on June 4th. Denfeld plays Grand Rapids on June 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- The anticipated rematch between the Duluth Marshall and Esko baseball teams is now set. After defeating Mora 4 to 0 on Wednesday in the 7AA quarterfinals, the Hilltoppers advanced to the 7AA semifinals. Earlier in the day, Esko rallied after being down 7-1 to defeat Proctor 9-8 in other the quarterfinal game. The two teams will meet up…

Wilderness Hire Brandon Ferns as GM, Steve Williams as Assistant GM

Ferns takes over for David Boitz, who was promoted to president of operations for the Wilderness.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness have a new general manager and a new assistant general manager. On Wednesday, the team announced the hiring of Brandon Ferns as GM and Steve Williams as assistant GM. Both spent last season with the Chippewa Steel serving as Co-Assistant general managers. Ferns takes over for David Boitz, who was promoted to president of operations…

NA3HL Wilderness Team to Play Home Games at Hippodrome in Eveleth

The Wilderness are set to play 22 games in Eveleth beginning in September.

EVELETH, Minn.- The NA3HL Minnesota Wilderness team has found their home for the upcoming season. The Wilderness will take over the historic Hippodrome in Eveleth for 22 games. Eveleth City Council approved the agreement on Wednesday. The Hippodrome is set to undergo renovations to the locker rooms and other areas of the arena before the team begins playing games there…

Cloquet Native Kendra Kelley Enters Transfer Portal After Four Seasons at NDSU

Just this past season, Kelley ran the fastest 200 meter dash in NDSU history with a time of 23.19.

FARGO, N.D.- A Cloquet native and track and field standout is looking for her next home. Kendra Kelley announced on her own personal Twitter page that she is entering the transfer portal after four seasons at NDSU. Just this past season, Kelley ran the fastest 200 meter dash in NDSU history with a time of 23.19. She’s also second for…

Northwestern Softball Coach Scott Janigo Retires After 15 Seasons at the Helm

During his time, Northwestern won six conference titles, numerous region championships and one sectional title back in 2016.

MAPLE, Wis.- A longtime Northwestern softball coach is saying goodbye to the program. Scott Janigo is retiring after leading the Tigers the last 15 seasons. During his time, Northwestern won six conference titles, numerous region championships and one sectional title back in 2016. That 2016 season was a special one as it marked the Tigers first trip to state in…

Six Former UMD Women’s Hockey Players Enter PWHL Draft

The draft is June 10th at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- In just 12 days, the PWHL will welcome in their next batch of talent as they hold their annual draft in St. Paul this year. Six former UMD Bulldogs are among those that will hope to hear their name called. Forwards Mannon McMahon, Reece Hunt, Anneke Linser, Michelle Lowenhielm, Naomi Rogge, and lastly goaltender Blanka Skodova have all…

Prep Baseball: Duluth Marshall, Esko, & Proctor All Advance to 7AA Quarterfinals

Duluth Marshall will host Mora next. As for Esko, they'll battle with Proctor.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday marked the first day of the Section 7AA baseball tournament. Top seeded Duluth Marshall is in the quarterfinals after defeating Moose Lake/Willow River 12 to 3. They’ll next host Mora on Thursday at 7 PM. On the other side of the bracket, defending state champions, Esko shut out Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin 13-0. Esko is set to clash with Proctor,…

C-E-C Boys Lacrosse Edges Duluth Marshall for First-Ever Playoff Win

With the win, the Lumberjacks will next host Centennial in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 7 PM.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys lacrosse team achieved a bit of history on Tuesday. C-E-C defeated Duluth Marshall 7-5 in their first-ever playoff contest. With the win, the Lumberjacks will next host Centennial in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Moose Lake/Willow River Softball Rallies Past Cherry for Spot in Section 7A Title Game

Moose Lake will next play Cherry again on Thursday in the title game.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team is one step closer to returning to the state tournament. On Tuesday, the Rebels rallied against Cherry to eventually take a 15-5 victory over the Tigers. Moose Lake will next play either Cherry again on Thursday in the title game. First pitch is at 4 PM at Braun Park in Cloquet. Categories:…