Author: Neil Vierzba

UW-Superior Softball Completes Three Game Sweep of Martin Luther

UWS improves to 20-10 and will next host Northwestern on Friday at 3 PM.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior softball team would break out the brooms on Wednesday, taking two games from Martin Luther. In game one, Superior would put up six runs in the first and then follow that up with five in the 2nd en route to a 12 to nothing shutout victory. Following that contest, nearly a repeat performance as they put…

Northwood/Solon Springs’ Abe Ahlberg Tallies 100th Career Hit, Also Hurls 20 K’s for School Record

The Northwood/Solon Springs baseball team is off to a 6-0 start this season and are currently ranked 3rd in the state coaches poll.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- It was a day to remember for Northwood/Solon Springs’ senior Abe Ahlberg. In Tuesday’s 9 to 1 victory for the Evergreens over Prairie Farm, Ahlberg would club his 100th career hit. The special day wouldn’t stop there as Ahlberg would also toss 20 strikeouts, which is a school record. The Northwood/Solon Springs baseball team is off to…

Prep Baseball: Proctor Hands Hermantown 1st Loss of the Season

Ethan Carter and Nick Terhaar would each have an RBI in the contest.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor baseball team would pick up their 4th win of the season on Tuesday, defeating Hermantown 2-0. Ethan Carter and Nick Terhaar would each have an RBI in the contest. Terhaar would also get it done on the mound, going 6 1/3 with 10 strikeouts. The Rails (4-2) will next host Warroad on Friday at 5 PM….

Wolfpack Boys Lacrosse Earn Road Victory at Superior

Duluth improves to 2-1 and will next host St. Paul/Two Rivers on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack boys lacrosse team would get back in the win column on Tuesday, defeating Superior 16 to 1. Duluth improves to 2-1 and will next host St. Paul/Two Rivers on Friday. Superior will travel to face Hudson on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

CSS Baseball Puts Up 27 Runs to Break Out Brooms Against Macalester

CSS (19-11) will next host UW-Superior on Wednesday at 4 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The bats were hot for the St. Scholastica baseball team as they faced Macalester on Tuesday. In game one of a doubleheader, Ryan Garlick would walk-it-off for the Saints with an rbi double in the bottom of the 7th. CSS won the contest 12-11. Then in game two, the Saints left no doubt as they came away with…

Duluth Marshall’s Brooks Johnson to Play College Hoops at UMD

This past season, Johnson would average 32 points and nearly 17 rebounds per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- While you may have been sleeping, the UMD men’s basketball team received a big time local commitment. Duluth Marshall’s Brooks Johnson is set to play for the Bulldogs beginning in the 2025-2026 season. Johnson made the official announcement via his own personal Twitter page. This past season, he would average 32 points and nearly 17 rebounds per game….

UMD Men’s Hockey to Open 2024-2025 Season at Home Against Bemidji State

The action begins on October 5th when the Bulldogs welcome in Bemidji State for their home and season opener.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team released their schedule for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. The action begins on October 5th when the Bulldogs welcome in Bemidji State for their home and season opener. UMD will also have some firsts this year. On October 25th, they’ll host and play Stonehill University. Then in December, UMD will travel to play Arizona…

UW-Superior’s Jacob Zacharias Named UMAC North Tennis Player of the Week

Zacharias went a perfect 6-0 this week, picking up doubles and singles victories against Crown and Martin Luther.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS’ Jacob Zacharias has been named the UMAC North Player of the Week. Zacharias went a perfect 6-0 this week, picking up doubles and singles victories against Crown and Martin Luther. He and the Yellowjackets will close out the regular season on Friday against UW-Eau Claire at home. Categories: College, Sports

Lily Beneke Wins MIAC Field Athlete of the Week for 3rd Straight Week

Beneke would break the facility and meet records at the Saint John's/St. Ben's Invitational this past Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica’s Lily Beneke has claimed the MIAC Field Athlete of the Week honor for the 3rd straight week. Beneke would break the facility and meet records at the Saint John’s/St. Ben’s Invitational this past Saturday. She would have the winning hammer throw of 54.08 meters, which is the 9th best throw in D3 this year. This is…

C-E-C Boys Lacrosse Improves to 3-0 After Handling Superior

C-E-C is next in action on Thursday when they host Duluth Marshall.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys lacrosse team was once again victorius on Monday, defeating Superior 22 to 7. C-E-C is now 3-0 on the season and will next play Duluth Marshall on Thursday at home. Meanwhile, Superior will try to bounce back Tuesday against the Duluth Wolfpack. Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth East Names Dave Bergan as New Head Boys Soccer Coach

Bergan previously coached at Cloquet High School, where he led them to an undefeated regular season in 2020.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth East boys soccer has a new head coach and he’s familiar to the area. Dave Bergan will replace Corey Bachand, who stepped down after six seasons at the helm. Bergan previously coached at Cloquet High School, where he led them to an undefeated regular season in 2020 and was named Section 7A Coach of the Year. Bergan…

UMD’s Lauren Dixon Wins 2nd NSIC Pitcher of the Week Honor

Dixon leads the NSIC with 201 strikeouts in 158 innings pitched.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd time this season, UMD senior pitcher Lauren Dixon has earned the NSIC Pitcher of the Week honor. Dixon would go 3-0, striking out 27 batters this past week. She would also only allow one earned run in her three appearances. Dixon has started in 25 games for the Bulldogs this season. She’s currently 19-5 with…

UMD Football Releases Schedule for 2024 Regular Season

In total, UMD has five home games and six away games.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD football released their schedule for the upcoming season on Monday. Like last year, the team will play Northern Michigan in week one on Thursday, August 29th. Except this time, the contest will be on the Wildcats home turf. 16 days later will be the Bulldogs home opener as they welcome in Minnesota State-Moorhead. In total, UMD has…

Proctor’s Wyatt Mineheine Signs Tender Deal with New Mexico Ice Wolves

Just this past year, Mineheine would have a career-high 20 goals with five assists.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Proctor forward Wyatt Mineheine will soon be joining a NA3HL team. On Monday, Mineheine signed a tender with the New Mexico Ice Wolves. Just this past year, he would have a career-high 20 goals with five assists. Speaking of the Rails, Mineheine’s teammate Carson Pavlowich will take to the ice this weekend at the Boys National Invitational Tournament….

Duluth Native Forbort & Former UMD Goaltender Fanti Added to NHL Playoff Rosters

Forbort has skated in 35 games this season and has tallied four assists. Fanti has yet to play in a NHL game.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NHL playoffs are officially underway and a few players with ties to Duluth were called-up on Monday to join a postseason roster. That includes former Greyhound Derek Forbort, who has joined the Boston Bruins for the playoff run. Forbort has skated in 35 games this season and has tallied four assists. Meanwhile, former UMD goaltender Ryan Fanti…

Shepard Wins Harry “Haps” Memorial Award, Also Named to AHL First Team

Shepard would lead the league in saves percentage and goals against average.

DULUTH, Minn.- Cohasset native and former Bulldog Hunter Shepard has collected some hardware for his efforts in the AHL this season. Shepard and teammate Clay Stevenson were awarded the Harry “Haps” Memorial Award. The award is given annually to the goaltending duo who allows the fewest goals in the AHL. Shepard was also named to the AHL first team. This…

UWS Men’s Tennis Wins UMAC North Division Title, Schaffner Reaches 100 Career Wins

With the wins, UWS will now be the number one seed in next month's UMAC Championships.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s tennis team entered play Sunday only needing two more wins to clinch the UMAC North Division Title. And that they did as they completed the three peat. The Yellowjackets would pull off identical nine to nothing sweeps of Crown College and Martin Luther. With the wins, UWS will now be the number one seed in…

Top Plays: 4/19

At number one, Esko's Isaak Sertich with the diving stop and then the throw over to Jamis Halvorson, who keeps his foot on the bag.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays both come from on the diamond. At number two, Hermantown’s Cam Lukovsky makes the nice diving grab to rob a Duluth Denfeld Hunter of a hit. At number one, Esko’s Isaak Sertich with the diving stop and then the throw over to Jamis Halvorson, who keeps his foot on the bag. Categories: Friday Night…

Fast Start Helps St. Paul/Two Rivers Top Superior Girls Lacrosse

Superior (0-3) will next host the Duluth Wolfpack on April 23rd.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls lacrosse team is still in search of their first win of the season after falling to St. Paul/Two Rivers 12-2 on Friday. The Ducks would get out to a five goal lead after two quarters and wouldn’t look back. Superior (0-3) will next host the Duluth Wolfpack on April 23rd.   Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

UMD Baseball Coach Bob Rients Reaches 400 Career Wins

Rients is just the second Bulldog head coach to get to 400 victories, joining Scott Hanna.

DULUTH, Minn.- Bob Rients has achieved a lot of accolades during his time as the head coach of the UMD baseball team. And on Thursday, he added another impressive feat to his resume. Following the Bulldogs 14-13 extra inning win over St. Cloud State, Rients reached career win number 400. Rients is just the second Bulldog head coach to get…

Grand Rapids/Greenway Girls Lacrosse Earns 1st Win On The Road in Duluth

Grand Rapids/Greenway (1-2) will next host Anoka on Saturday in their home opener.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Grand Rapids/Greenway girls lacrosse team picked up their first win of the season on Thursday, defeating Duluth 16 to 5. The Lightning would lead 5-3 after the first quarter. Grand Rapids/Greenway (1-2) will next host Anoka on Saturday in their home opener. Meanwhile, Duluth (1-1) is set to host St. Paul/Two Rivers also on Saturday. Categories: High…

CSS Softball Splits with Hamline in First Home Games at Kenwood Field Since 2021

CSS (4-22) will next host Gustavus Adolphus on Saturday for a doubleheader.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica softball team would play their first home games at Kenwood Field since 2021 on Thursday. Hamline would play spoiler a little bit by taking game one against the Saints, 6-0. Then in game two, the Saints battled back for a 5 to 1 victory. With the win, it snapped a 13 game losing streak. CSS…

Former Bulldog Quinn Olson Joins Greenville Swamp Rabbits of ECHL

In his last season for the Bulldogs, Olson tallied 4 goals and 17 assists in 37 games of action.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD forward Quinn Olson has joined a new team. After a short stint with the Ontario Reign of the AHL, Olson is now with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits of the ECHL. Like the Reign, the Swamp Rabbits are an affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. In his last season for the Bulldogs, Olson tallied 4 goals and…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Long Island Goaltender Tindra Holm to Roster

Holm is a two-time New England Women's Hockey Alliance Goalie of the Year award winner.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has addressed the goaltending position via the transfer portal. On Thursday, they received a commitment from Long Island University’s Tindra Holm. Holm is a two-time New England Women’s Hockey Alliance Goalie of the Year award winner. Just this past season, she would post five shutouts for the Sharks in net. Holm is also…

UMD Football Battles Bemidji State in Annual Spring Game

UMD is coming off a 9-2 season in 2023.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since 2021, the UMD football team would face someone other than themselves in their annual Spring Game. UMD would welcome in the Beavers of Bemidji State into Malosky Stadium on Wednesday. The first portion of the session was a joint practice before the two teams would face off in a scrimmage. The contest had…

UMD Men’s Hockey Receives Commitment From SCSU’s Joe Molenaar Via Transfer Portal

Molenaar's tallied a total of 31 points in four seasons at SCSU.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team has received it’s first commitment via the transfer portal. After four seasons with the rival St. Cloud State Huskies, Joe Molenaar has joined the Bulldogs. He’s tallied a total of 31 points in that time and was the assistant captain for the Huskies last season. Molenaar is a Minnetonka native. Categories: College, Sports,…

Eastview/Apple Valley Hands Wolfpack Boys Lacrosse First Loss

Duluth falls to 1-1 on the season and will next play at Superior on April 23rd.

DULUTH, Minn.- In a battle of two unbeatens on Tuesday, Eastview/Apple Valley would reign supreme over the Duluth Wolfpack boys. The Lightning would jump out to a five goal lead after the first quarter and they wouldn’t look back as they won 17 to 1. Duluth falls to 1-1 on the season and will next play at Superior on April…

Rain Wins as Hunters & Hilltoppers Battle at Windy Wade Stadium

The teams plan to reschedule Tuesday's game for a later date.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall and Duluth Denfeld baseball teams gave it a go on Tuesday for their scheduled game. Ultimately, the rain and wind would win the contest as the game was called off in the bottom of the 1st. Marshall was leading 5-3 at that point. The teams plan to reschedule Tuesday’s game for a later date. Duluth…

Superior Names Rob Scott as New Head Football Coach

From 2006 to 2021, Scott was an educator at Superior and also held many roles for the football team during that time.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Spartans have a new head football coach. And he’s familiar to the program. Rob Scott returns to lead the team after spending the last three seasons as the head coach at Eau Claire Memorial. From 2006 to 2021, Scott was an educator at Superior and also held many roles for the football team during that time….

St. Scholastica’s Lily Beneke Claims Back-to-Back MIAC Weekly Honors

This is the 4th time in her career that she's won an outdoor weekly honor.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica’s Lily Beneke went back-to-back, winning the MIAC Outdoor Athlete of the Week honor. Beneke would finish first in the hammer throw and broke the facility and meet records with a toss of 56.20 meters at the Minnesota State open on Saturday. She now holds the fourth best mark in Division three this season. This is the…

UWS Sophomore MyKenzie Leccia Named UMAC Softball Player of the Week

Leccia currently leads the team in batting average, OPS, doubles, home runs, and runs batted in.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS sophomore MyKenzie Leccia had a monster week for the Yellowjackets. As a result, she’s been named the UMAC Softball Player of the Week. Leccia went 10 for 15 at the plate, posting a batting average of .667. She would also have 14 runs batted in. Leccia currently leads the team in batting average, OPS, doubles, home runs,…

Boys Lacrosse: Stealth Protect Home Turf By Handling Superior

The Stealth (1-0) will next play at Grand Rapids/Greenway on Thursday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown/Proctor Stealth opened up their season on Monday, defeating Superior 17 to 2 in their home opener. Hermantown/Proctor would lead by 11 at the half. The Stealth (1-0) will next play at Grand Rapids/Greenway on Thursday. As for the Superior, they’ll play at Cloquet on April 22nd. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Football Making Final Preparations Leading Up to Bemidji State Scrimmage, Team Also Names Six Captains

Hennessey and the Bulldogs hit the field at 4 PM on Wednesday to battle the Beavers.

DULUTH, Minn.- 12 practices down, one to go for the UMD football team in the spring portion of their season. Of course, that one is their annual spring game. But this year, there’s a change as they will hit someone other than themselves on Wednesday, when they welcome in Bemidji State for a joint practice and scrimmage. It’s the first…

UMD Defender Paula Bergstrom Joins Frolunda of Swedish Women’s Hockey League

In her lone season at UMD, Bergstrom would tally four points, all of which were on assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- Her time may be done with the Bulldogs but UMD senior defender Paula Bergstrom still has plenty of hockey in her career to look forward to. On Monday, Bergstrom joined Frolunda, a team in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. In her lone season at UMD, Bergstrom would tally four points, all of which were on assists. Prior to…

Top Plays: 4/12

At number one, Solon Springs' Isaiah Kastern crashes the hoop for the put-back jam in Wednesday's DAYBA Border Battle.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both the softball diamond and on the hardwood. At number three, UW-Superior’s Mykenzie Leccia slides on her knees to rob a Blue Devil of an extra base hit. At number two, Hermantown’s Bryden Geisen smacks a deep shot to center for a two-run homer in a 11-0 win over Esko. At number…

Coaches Corner: Lucas Mehelich

The Lumberjacks are in their first-ever season as a varsity program.

CLOQUET, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys lacrosse head coach Lucas Mehelich. The Lumberjacks are in their first-ever season as a varsity program. C-E-C would defeat Rocori 10-7 in their inaugural game on Friday. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Wolfpack Boys Lacrosse Handles Big Lake For Season-Opening Victory

This was the 2nd straight year that the Wolfpack have opened the season against the Hornets.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack boys lacrosse team started their season on Friday with a win, topping Big Lake 17 to 1. This was the 2nd straight year that the Wolfpack have opened the season against the Hornets. Duluth (1-0) will next host Eastview/Apple Valley on April 16th. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Baseball: Superior Rallies Past Rock Ridge, Cloquet Picks Up 1st Win

Superior (2-5) will next play at Cloquet on April 16th. Meanwhile, Cloquet will travel to Rock Ridge on April 15th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior baseball team would find themselves down 3-0 against Rock Ridge on Friday. But, after putting up one run in the 3rd and three in the 6th, the Spartans would rally past the Wolverines for the 4-3 win. Superior (2-5) will next play at Cloquet on April 16th. Rock Ridge (2-2) will also play Cloquet next on…

UMD Basketball Seniors Andrews, Brown, & Katona to Return For 5th-Year

Statistically, each player has at least 1,300 career points and 530 rebounds.

DULUTH, Minn.- After making the national tournament the last three seasons, the UMD basketball team received some good news leading up to their pursuit of a 4th straight appearance. Seniors Austin Andrews, Joshua Brown, and Charlie Katona are all set to return next season for their 5th-year. During their time at UMD, the trio have a record of 83 and…

UMD 5th-Year Guard Taytum Rhoades Named NSIC Assistant Commissioner For Operations

Rhoades will begin her new duties on June 24th.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD 5th-year guard Taytum Rhoades is preparing for life after basketball. On Friday, she was named the new NSIC Assistant Commissioner for Operations. On the court, Rhoades would score 966 points over 142 games, with 522 rebounds and 363 assists. She also was All-NSIC first team this past year for the first time. Off the court, she’s completing…

Jordan & Elijah Aultman to Reunite & Play For Superior Wolfpack This Summer

The duo will be in action on April 21st at Union Eau Claire.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Aultman Brothers are set to be reunited this summer as members of the Superior Wolfpack. Jordan and Elijah have both been named to the roster this week. Jordan was a two-time Lake Superior All-Conference selection during his time at Cloquet-Esko- Carlton. Elijah just wrapped up his final season as a Lumberjack, scoring 20 goals. The duo will…

Superior City FC Men Add Plenty of Familiar Faces to Roster For 2nd Season

Superior went 6-3-1 last season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City FC men’s team continues to add to their roster this week for their 2nd full season as a program. Some of the recent additions include their all-time leading goal-scorer in Mally Lumsden. Lumdsden would play collegiately at the College of St. Scholastica. Speaking of the Saints, Finigan Huffington is back with the team after spending…

Prep Lacrosse: C-E-C & Marshall Boys Win First-Ever Games, Marshall Girls Spoil Superior’s Home Opener

The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, Duluth Marshall, & Superior boys and girls lacrosse teams are in their first seasons.

CLOQUET, Minn.- On Thursday, four local area teams would have either their first-ever home game or their first-ever inaugural game. For the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys, they played and hosted their first-ever contest against Rocori. After being tied 5-5 at the half, the Lumberjacks would outscore the Spartans 5-2 in the 2nd half to earn their first victory, 10 to 7. Michael…

After Many Years of Club Play, C-E-C Boys Lacrosse Eager for First Season

C-E-C players previously played for the Northern Siege club team.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The sport of lacrosse is becoming more and more popular in the Northland. Just this spring, there are four varsity teams beginning their first-ever seasons. That includes, the Cloquet-Esko- Carlton boys, who have been previously playing for the Northern Siege club for many years. The Lumberjacks are led by head coach Lucas Mehelich, a former lacrosse player himself…

Former UMD Forward Kyler Kleven Commits to Niagara University

In three seasons at UMD, Kleven would tally three goals and five assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former UMD men’s hockey player has found his next college team. Kyler Kleven has joined Niagara University for the upcoming season. In three seasons at UMD, Kleven would tally three goals and five assists. He also sat out the entire 2022-2023 season with a torn labrum. Kleven isn’t the only player on the Purple Eagles roster with…

Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson Wins EuroCup with London Lions

Gustafson had 18 points and seven rebounds in the game.

PORT WING, Wis.- The eventful off-season continues for Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson. On Wednesday, Gustafson and the London Lions would win the EuroCup, taking down Besiktas 81 to 70. Gustafson had 18 points and seven rebounds in the game. London becomes the first British team to win the European title. The EuroCup title isn’t the only thing to happen…

Minnesota Girls & Wisconsin Boys Take Bragging Rights at DAYBA Border Battle

Solon Springs' Isaiah Kastern would be named MVP of the boys game after finishing with 28 points.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For the fourth straight time, the Minnesota girls team would take down the Wisconsin girls in the Annual DAYBA Border Battle on Wednesday. Minnesota would hold a comfortable lead for most of the contest, eventually earning the 121 to 76 victory. Following that game, it was the boys turn. After dropping the last two meetings, the Wisconsin boys…

Esko Softball Handles Moose Lake/Willow River for 2nd Win of Season

Esko (2-1) will next host Duluth Marshall and Hermantown in a doubleheader on Friday.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko softball team would pick up two wins on Wednesday, including a big victory against Moose Lake/Willow River 20-6. Esko defeated Two Harbors 14 to 0 earlier in the day. Esko (2-1) will next host Duluth Marshall and Hermantown in a doubleheader on Friday. First pitch against the Hilltoppers is at 2 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Dixon Throws First No-Hitter, UMD Softball Sweeps Minnesota Crookston in Home Opener

Dixon would go five innings, striking out eight in UMD's first game against Minnesota Crookston.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior Lauren Dixon would do something on Wednesday that she surprisingly hasn’t done in her softball career. And that is throw a no-hitter. Dixon would go five innings, striking out eight in UMD’s first game against Minnesota Crookston, leading the Bulldogs to the 8-0 win. Following that game, UMD would once again take down the Golden Eagles…

Trio of Northlanders Named to U.S. Under 17 National Team

The three will compete for the team in the USHL, as well as other international tournaments during the 2024-2025 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio of Northlanders have been named to the U.S. Under 17 National Team. Hermantown natives Victor Plante and A.J. Francisco, as well as Superior’s Jackson Marthaler were named to the roster on Wednesday afternoon. The NTDP is a two-year residency program that is located at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. The three will compete for the…