Author: Neil Vierzba

Minnesota North College-Rainy River Men’s Basketball Bound for National Tournament

The Minnesota North College-Rainy River men's team captured their first region 13 title since 1991 over the weekend.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.- The Minnesota North College-Rainy River men’s team captured their first region 13 title since 1991 over the weekend. The Voyageurs would sneak by Riverland Community College 75 to 73 to advance to their first ever national tournament. The team now gets a breather as they next will be in action on March 13th in Herkimer, New York….

UWS Women’s Head Hockey Coach Dan Laughlin Retires After 21 Seasons

Laughlin would lead UWS to three NCHA regular season titles, one NCHA playoff title, and two national tournament appearances.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Longtime UW-Superior women’s hockey coach Dan Laughlin is retiring. Laughlin would spend 21 years at the helm and would tally 300 wins exactly. He would lead UWS to three NCHA regular season titles, one NCHA playoff title, and two national tournament appearances. Laughlin was also named NHCA Coach of the Year four times and WIAC Coach of the…

Boys Basketball: Superior Sees Season End, Duluth East & Two Harbors Protect Home Courts

Both Duluth East & Two Harbors will next enter section play which begins next week.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys basketball team opened up postseason play on Friday night against Hortonville. Sadly, the Spartans would see their season come to a close as the Polar Bears pulled off the first round upset, 66 to 64. Superior finishes the season with a 18-7 overall record. Over in Minnesota, Duluth East would snap Hermantown’s nine-game winning streak,…

UWS Track and Field Finishing Indoor Schedule Strong

The team is next in action on Saturday at the Ripon Final Qualifier.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s been almost a week since both the UWS men’s and women’s track and field teams hoisted the UMAC indoor championship trophy. For the men, it’s their 8th straight year they have accomplished the feat. And the women, they went back to back. A big part of the team’s success comes from the distance runners group. Former Greenway…

Three UMD Women’s Hockey Players Recognized By WCHA

The trio is next in action on Saturday against St. Cloud State in the WCHA Tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio of UMD women’s hockey standouts would be recognized by the WCHA on Thursday. Leading the charge was Bulldog sophomore goaltender Hailey MacLeod as she was named to the 2nd team. It’s the second straight year she’s been recognized by the conference. On the 3rd team was senior defenseman Nina Jobst-Smith, her first conference honors. Lastly, on…

UW-Superior’s Walker & Fahrenholtz Land on All-UMAC Teams

The Yellowjackets finished the year with an 18-9 overall record.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A senior duo on the men’s basketball team was recognized by the UMAC conference. Guard J’Vaun Walker was named to the UMAC First Team and Forward Josef Fahrenholtz was named to the UMAC Second Team. Walker led the Yellowjackets and finished fourth in the conference in scoring, tallying 441 points. He also led the team and conference with…

Grand Rapids Boys Hockey Unseats Andover as Section 7AA Champions

Seth Carlson would tie the game in the 3rd period and he would also get the game-winning goal in double overtime to lead the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team is state bound for the first time since the 2016-2017 season. On Thursday, the Thunderhawks would take down four-time defending champion Andover, 3 to 2 in double overtime. Seth Carlson would tie the game in the 3rd period and he would also get the goal in double overtime to lead the team….

Girls Basketball: Duluth Marshall, Proctor, & Esko All Advance to 7AA Quarterfinals

All 7AA quarterfinal games will take place on Saturday at Duluth Denfeld high school.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Section 7AA girls basketball tournament tipped on Thursday. Among the teams picking up a win was Duluth Marshall, who handled Pillager on their own home floor, 86 to 35. The Hilltoppers will next face Mesabi East in the quarterfinals on Saturday. In other 7AA girls action, Proctor would top Staples-Motley 76 to 38. The Rails will next…

CSS Freshman Kloey Lind Earns All MIAC Conference Status in First Season

Lind was ninth in the conference in scoring and also led the MIAC in rebounds with an average of eight per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica freshman forward Kloey Lind played like no rookie this season. She earns All MIAC conference honors after a breakout first year. Lind was ninth in the conference in scoring and also led the MIAC in rebounds with an average of eight per game. Over the course of the season, she would tally six double-doubles. Lind and…

UMD’s Rhoades & Gilbertson Achieve All-Conference Status for First Time

The duo will next be in action on Sunday in the NSIC quarterfinals against Concordia-St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD women’s basketball guard Taytum Rhoades has landed on the NSIC All-Conference first team. It’s the first time in her career that she has earned the nomination. Rhoades currently leads the team in points, assists, steals, and blocks. On the 2nd team was her partner Ella Gilbertson. This is also the first time that Gilbertson has been recognized…

Charlie Katona Named NSIC Defensive Player of the Year, Joins Blair on All-Conference Team

The senior forward becomes the first Bulldog since Jake Nettleton in the 2002 season to earn the award.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior forward Charlie Katona was named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday. The senior forward becomes the first Bulldog since Jake Nettleton in the 2002 season to earn the award. Katona is ranked 2nd on the team in points, steals, and rebounds. He was also named to the NSIC All-Conference First Team. Joining him…

Trio of Yellowjacket Men’s Hockey Players Sign Pro Deals in SPHL

Since the 2021-2022 season, the Yellowjackets have had 19 players sign professional contracts.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A trio of UWS men’s hockey players have already started their pro careers. Forwards C.J. Walker and Ty Proffitt, and defenseman Troy Quinn all signed pro contracts with the SPHL. Walker, who led the Yellowjackets in scoring, is with the Birmingham Bulls. Quinn joined the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. And lastly, Proffitt is now a member of the…

Superior’s Autumn Cooper Wins 2024 Miss Hockey Wisconsin Award

Cooper is the first player in Superior history to win the award.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior senior forward Autumn Cooper capped off her Spartan career with the state’s top individual award. Announced on Wednesday, Cooper was named the 2024 Miss Hockey Wisconsin award winner. She’s the first player in Superior history to win the award. This past season, she led the state with 67 points, 33 of which were goals and 34 of…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Claims Section 7A Title for 5th Straight Year

Will Esterbrooks, Charlie Marchand, AJ Francisco, and Bradford Skytta would be the goal-scorers for the Hawks.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team is once again state bound after defeating Hibbing/Chisholm 4-0 in the Section 7A title game on Wednesday. Will Esterbrooks, Charlie Marchand, AJ Francisco, and Bradford Skytta would be the goal-scorers for the Hawks. This is the 5th straight year that Hermantown has made it to the state tournament. The Hawks will learn who…

Gilbertson’s 32 Points Helps UMD Women’s Basketball Get Past Sioux Falls in NSIC Opening Round

The Bulldogs will next face Concordia-St. Paul on Sunday in the quarterfinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team can officially book their travel plans to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. On Wednesday, the Bulldogs would hold off Sioux Falls 73 to 69 in the opening round of the NSIC tournament. Ella Gilbertson had a team-leading 32 points for UMD. The Bulldogs will next face Concordia-St. Paul on Sunday in the quarterfinals. Tip-off…

Cloquet Girls Basketball Handles Hibbing for Spot in 7AAA Semifinals

The Lumberjacks will next host Grand Rapids in the semifinals on Saturday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet girls basketball team opened postseason play with a win on Wednesday, defeating Hibbing 58 to 20 in the 7AAA quarterfinals. The Lumberjacks will next host Grand Rapids in the semifinals on Saturday. Other 7AAA quarterfinal scores: Duluth Denfeld 14, Rock Ridge 86 FINAL Hermantown 44, North Branch 72 FINAL Chisago Lakes 43, Grand Rapids 73 FINAL…

UMD Women’s Hockey to Open WCHA Tournament Play Against SCSU

The Bulldogs would boast a 2-1-1 record against the Huskies in the regular season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD and St. Cloud State women’s hockey teams have gotten to know each other pretty well over the last couple of weeks. Friday’s contest will mark the 3rd time they have faced off in 14 days. But this series really counts as it’s the beginning of the WCHA tournament. The Bulldogs would boast a 2-1-1 record against…

UMD Men’s Hockey Hits Road for Rematch with Colorado College

The Bulldogs have taken three of their last five against the Tigers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is looking to put the month of February in the past and snap a six game losing streak this weekend in Colorado. The Bulldogs and Tigers last met in January in Duluth, with each team picking up a 3-2 victory for the split. Head Coach Scott Sandelin says Colorado College is a much…

UWS Guard Elise Besonen Named UMAC Player of the Year, Four Yellowjackets Honored By Conference

Besonen averaged a team best 14.8 points-per-game.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UMAC end of the year awards were announced on Wednesday afternoon. Taking home the top honor in the conference was UWS junior guard Elise Besonen as she was named UMAC Player of the Year. Besonen averaged a team best 14.8 points-per-game. She also landed on the first team. Besonen wasn’t the only Yellowjacket honored by the UMAC….

Proctor’s Carson Pavlowich Signs Tender with Colorado Grit of NAHL

In 27 games this season for the Rails, Pavlowich would tally 5 goals and 30 assists for a total of 35 points.

PROCTOR, Minn.- With his high school season now wrapped up, Proctor senior defenseman Carson Pavlowich will get to play more hockey this year. Pavlowich signed a tender with Colorado Grit of the NAHL. In 27 games this season for the Rails, Pavlowich would tally 5 goals and 30 assists for a total of 35 points. He’s also seen some time…

UMD’s Hailey MacLeod Named WCHA Goaltender of the Month for February

MacLeod led the WCHA with a league-low 0.49 goals against average.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD sophomore goaltender Hailey MacLeod has earned the WCHA Goaltender of the Month award for February. She led the WCHA with a league-low 0.49 goals against average and just two goals allowed in 106 shots faced. MacLeod also posted two shutouts in four games and now has five over the season. She’ll next be in action this upcoming…

Huskies Add Locals Sutherland & Haugen as First Two Signings to Roster

Sutherland is currently a freshman at the University of Minnesota and Haugen is a freshman at Minnesota State-Mankato.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies have officially announced their first two signings for this upcoming season. And they are two local products as former Duluth East standout Charlie Sutherland and former Esko standout Cale Haugen will suit up for the team. Sutherland is currently a freshman at the University of Minnesota. He would earn all-conference and all-section honors during his…

UMD Men’s Basketball Moves Up to #11 in Poll, Await Opponent in NSIC Quarterfinals

The Bulldogs, who gained a first round bye in the NSIC tournament, will next either face Augustana or Wayne State in the NSIC quarterfinals on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Soon it will be tournament time for the UMD men’s basketball team. But before they head to Sioux Falls, they moved up the rankings. In the latest NABC coaches poll, the Bulldogs moved up one spot to number 11. UMD’s last action came on February 21st when they closed out the regular season with an 80 to 69…

UMD Women’s Hoops Set to Host Sioux Falls in 1st Round of NSIC Tournament

In their two matchups in the regular season, the Bulldogs would take both contests.

DULUTH, Minn.- The path to a conference title begins on Wednesday for the UMD women’s basketball team. UMD will host Sioux Falls in the first round of the NSIC tournament. In their two matchups in the regular season, the Bulldogs would take both contests. First, winning at Sioux Falls on December 8th by a final of 77 to 50. Then…

Boys Basketball: Carlton/Wrenshall Picks Up 7th Straight Win, Duluth East Handles Grand Rapids

The Raptors will next play at Fond du Lac Ojibwe on Thursday. Meanwhile, East is back at home to host Hermantown on Friday.

WRENSHALL, Minn.- The Carlton/Wrenshall boys basketball team was once again victorius on Monday, defeating Proctor 82 to 79. The Raptors (18-7) have now won seven straight games and will close out the regular season on Thursday at Fond du Lac Ojibwe. Proctor falls to 5-20 and will host Cloquet on Thursday in their regular season finale. In other boys basketball…

Cherry’s Isaac Asuma Lands in Top 10 for Mr. Minnesota Basketball Award

The final five will be announced on March 17th with the winner declared once the state tournament wraps up.

IRON JUNCTION, Minn.- The top 10 for the Mr. Minnesota Basketball Award was announced on Monday. Only one local standout made that cut and that is Cherry senior Guard Isaac Asuma. He’s currently averaging 16.7 points per game, 8.1 assists and 7.2 rebounds through 27 games. Cherry is also the top ranked Class A team in Minnesota. The final five…

CSS Baseball Knocks Off Former UMAC Foe North Central in Home Opener

CSS (1-0) will next be in action on March 8th when they face Roger Williams University in Davenport, Florida.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica baseball team opened their season on Monday, with a win defeating North Central 14 to 3. The Saints were led by Jake Schelonka, who was 3 for 4 with two home runs and three runs batted in. CSS (1-0) will next be in action on March 8th when they face Roger Williams University in Davenport,…

UMD Women’s Hockey Remains at #8 in USCHO Poll

UMD will host 10th ranked St. Cloud State in a best of three game series beginning on Friday at 4 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team once again sees no movement in the USCHO Poll. After tying one game and losing the other to 4th ranked Minnesota over the weekend, the Bulldogs remain the 8th ranked team in the country. The regular season is in the rear view mirror for the team as they now enter postseason play. UMD…

St. Scholastica Tennis Sweeps MIAC Weekly Awards

This is the 3rd time Maier has claimed the weekly award and the first time for Patten.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica tennis standouts Julia Maier and Dane Patten would each be named MIAC Tennis Athlete of the Week on Monday. Maier went undefeated over the weekend in singles play, picking up wins against St. Olaf and UW-La Crosse. She’s also won each of her last five singles matches. For the former Greyhound Patten, he also was unbeaten…

Northwestern Wrestler Ian Smith Captures 2nd Individual State Title

Smith now finishes his senior campaign with an undefeated record of 19-0.

MADISON, Wis.- Northwestern’s Ian Smith had a weekend to remember. Competing in the Division Two state individual championship on Saturday in the Kohl Center in Madison, Smith would defeat Two Rivers’ Chase Matthias in the 215 pound bout. Smith had a two point takedown with 75 seconds remaining to eventually earn the 3 to 2 victory. Smith now finishes his…

Girls Basketball: Superior Sees Season End in Region Semifinals, Marshall’s Win Streak Snapped

Superior finishes the year at 15-9 and the Hilltoppers now shift their focus to section play.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls basketball team opened up postseason play on Friday, taking on Appleton East in the Division one region semifinals. Sadly, it didn’t go the Spartans way as they fell to the Patriots 63 to 49. Superior finishes the season with a 15-9 overall record. In other girls action, Duluth Marshall saw their nine game win streak…

Top Play of the Week: 2/23

Elise Besonen of UWS women's basketball takes home the honor.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This week’s top play comes from on the hardwood. Time winding down in the 3rd quarter of Wednesday’s North Central and UWS semifinal contest Elise Besonen puts up the heave near the logo and she’s got it! Three of her team leading 25 points on the night The Yellowjackets are set to host Minnesota Morris on Saturday in…

Superior Girls Hockey Falls Short of Heading Back to State Tournament

The Spartans finish the year with a 20-4-1 record.

MOSINEE, Wis.- The Superior girls hockey team was just one game away from making state for the 2nd straight year on Friday. The Spartans would battle Central Wisconsin for the section two title and it would come down to the wire. Trailing 3 to 2 with 44.7 seconds left in the 3rd, Superior would tie the game with their goalie…

Lindaman & Reyelts Named Finalists for Top Minnesota Hockey Awards

Both award winners will be announced a day after their state tournaments conclude.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall senior Ilsa Lindaman is just days away from possibly being named Ms. Hockey Minnesota. Late last week, she was named one of the five finalists for the award. Lindaman ended her season ranked 2nd in goals scored with 57 and she was also 2nd in overall points with 86. Lindaman helped lead the Hilltoppers to the…

Prep Basketball: Duluth Marshall Girls Extend Win Streak to 9, Hermantown Boys Handle Superior

Marshall was led by Regan Juenemann, who had 21 points and also surpassed 2,000 career points in the contest.

ESKO, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls basketball team continued their winning ways on Thursday, defeating Esko 76 to 63. With the win, the Hilltoppers have now taken nine straight games. Marshall was led by Regan Juenemann, who had 21 points and also surpassed 2,000 career points in the contest. In other basketball action, the Hermantown boys team would handle Superior…

Proctor/Hermantown Mirage Extend Season with Consolation Title Game Berth

The Mirage will next play Willmar in the consolation title game on Saturday. Puck drop is at 10 AM.

ST. Paul, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team bounced back on Thursday, defeating Luverne 3-2 in the Class A consolation semifinals. The Mirage would score two unanswered goals in the 3rd after trailing 2-1 early in the period. Jane Eckstrom, Addi Hieb, and Hannah Graves would each find the back of the net. The Mirage will next play Willmar in…

Northland College Searching for New Head Women’s Hockey Coach

The team will look to bounce back in 2024 and 2025 after going 5-20-1.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College in Ashland is in search of a new head women’s hockey coach. The team will look to bounce back in 2024 and 2025 after going 5-20-1 and being eliminated in the WIAC first round by UW-Stevens Point. Dan Schumacher, the Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at the college, confirmed to FOX 21 news that the school…

UWS Baseball Picked to Finish 2nd in UMAC Conference

UWS is coming off a 21-15 season a year ago.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UMAC baseball preseason coaches poll was released on Thursday afternoon. Coming in second was the UWS Yellowjackets. The Jackets would receive 41 points and one first place vote. Ahead of them was Bethany Lutheran with 49 points and seven first place votes. UWS is coming off a 21-15 season a year ago. They’ll open regular season play…

Mirage’s State Title Hopes Dashed By Warroad in Class A Quarterfinals

The Mirage next head to the consolation bracket where they'll play Luverne on Thursday at 2 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team made their 4th straight appearance at state on Wednesday. Sadly, their hopes at a title ended as they fell to Warroad 2 to 1 in overtime in the Class A quarterfinals. Taylee Manion had the lone goal for the team with 40 seconds remaining in the 3rd period. Under four minutes to…

UWS Men’s & Women’s Hoops Secure Spots in UMAC Championship Game

The women's squad will host Minnesota Morris in the title game Saturday. Meanwhile, the men's team will travel to Bethany Lutheran on Saturday for their title matchup.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s and women’s basketball teams extended their seasons on Wednesday, both defeating North Central in the UMAC semifinals. The lady Yellowjackets started off the night by handling the Rams, 72 to 59. Elise Besonen led the squad with 25 points. UWS will play host to Minnesota Morris on Saturday in the championship game. Following that game,…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Complete Regular Season with Sweep of SCSU

Both teams will next be in action in the NSIC tournament which begins on February 28th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams closed out the regular season on Wednesday with wins against St. Cloud State. The lady Bulldogs started off the night with a close 64-63 win over the Huskies. Taytum Rhoades had a team-leading 19 points for UMD. Following that contest, the men’s squad extended their win streak to 11 by taking…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey Heads to Twin Cities to Battle #4 Minnesota

UMD has only won one out of their last 10 games against Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 8th ranked UMD women’s hockey team closes out the regular season this upcoming weekend when they head to the Twin Cities to battle the 4th ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. It’s been a series that hasn’t gone in the Bulldogs favor in recent years. UMD has only won one out of their last 10 games against Minnesota. That…

UMD Men’s Hockey Makes Trip to #4 North Dakota for Late Regular Season Series

The Fighting Hawks previously took two games against the Bulldogs back in November.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will look to return the favor to North Dakota this upcoming weekend. The Fighting Hawks previously took two games against the Bulldogs back in November. UMD would play North Dakota close in both of those contests, only falling by two in each one. Head Coach Scott Sandelin says it’s always a good game…

Superior Girls Hockey Handles Northland Pines for Sectional Title Game Berth

Superior will now meet Central Wisconsin in the Sectional one finals on Friday. Puck drop is set for 7 pm in Mosinee.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls hockey team is one step closer to heading back to state. On Tuesday, the Spartans would defeat Northland Pines 10 to 2 in the Sectional one semifinals. They’ll now meet Central Wisconsin in the Sectional one finals on Friday. Puck drop is set for 7 pm in Mosinee. Categories: High School, Sports

St. Scholastica Softball Begins New Era Under Head Coach Kallee Wilkins

The Saints first game is against UW-Stout on Saturday at the Bethany Lutheran Invitational in Mankato.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since 2016, the St. Scholastica softball team is entering the regular season with a new head coach. Kallee Wilkins, who’s the 7th head coach in program history, takes over for a Saints squad that finished 17-18 last season and was in the middle of the pack of the MIAC conference. CSS has nine upperclassmen…

UMD Men’s Basketball Jumps Up Five Spots in NABC Coaches Poll

Next up for the team is their regular season finale on Wednesday when they host St. Cloud State. Tip off is at 7:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team has once again made a big jump in the latest NABC Coaches Poll. The Bulldogs are now ranked 12th in the country after previously being 17th a week ago. UMD is coming off a successful weekend in North Dakota as they topped both Minot State and UMary. Next up for the team is…

Trio of Yellowjackets Earn Weekly Conference Honors

Charlotte Ferstl, Simone Stephens, and Rose Beeman were all recognized by their conference.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UW-Superior had a trio of athletes who secured weekly honors. In women’s basketball, Charlotte Ferstl was named UMAC Player of the Week. She posted her 3rd triple double of the season on Friday against Martin Luther. Ferstl also shot 68 percent from the field in UWS’ two matchups. On the track, Simone Stephens was also UMAC Player of…

Mirage Prep for 4th Straight Trip to State, Rematch with Warroad

The Mirage will look for revenge against the Warriors, who took the 2-1 win in November, Wednesday at 8 PM in St. Paul.

PROCTOR, Minn.- For the fourth straight year, the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage are making the trek to the X in hopes of being the last girls hockey team standing. The Mirage made that possible last Wednesday when they shut out Duluth Marshall 4 to nothing to claim the Section 7A crown. The last month was an impressive one for the team as…

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays at #8 in USCHO Poll, Gascon & MacLeod Earns Weekly Honors

UMD hits the road for their final regular season road series this weekend at Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- The latest USCHO poll dropped for division one women’s hockey on Monday. After winning one and tying one with 10th ranked St. Cloud State, UMD once again sees no movement as they remain the 8th ranked team in the country. The Bulldogs did however clinch home ice in their upcoming first round matchup against the Huskies in the…