Author: Neil Vierzba

State Soccer: Parrott’s Hat Trick Lifts Esko to Class A Semifinals for 2nd Straight Year

Esko was led by Addie Parrott, who had a hat trick in the victory.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team will once again get the chance to play at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Wednesday, Esko defeated St. Croix Prep 4-1 in the quarterfinals to secure their spot in the semifinals. Esko was led by Addie Parrott, who had a hat trick in the victory. Paiton Plante had the other goal for…

Rock Ridge Girls Tennis Wins Class AA State Title

On Wednesday, the Wolverines defeated Blake 6-1 in the state title game to capture the trophy.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn.- For the first time in program history, the Rock Ridge girls tennis team has captured the Class AA state title. On Wednesday, the Wolverines defeated Blake 6-1 in the state title game to win the trophy. Singles: 1 Mayme Scott Grade 11 Vs Sienna Szerda Grade 9 Rock Ridge (Virginia) 6-1 4-6 10-7 – 2 Ellie Dimberio Grade 8 Vs Michelle…

#4 UMD Women’s Hockey Set for Top 5 Tilt Against #3 Minnesota

The Bulldogs last win against the Golden Gophers came on March 12th of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd time this year, the 4th ranked UMD women’s hockey will face off against another top five team. It’s the Minnesota Golden Gophers versus the Bulldogs for the 122nd time. In recent years, Minnesota has a hold of the head-to-head matchup by taking nine of the last 10 meetings. The Bulldogs last win against the Golden…

#18 UMD Men’s Hockey Puts Unbeaten Road Record to the Test at #12 Minnesota

UMD is in search of their first win against Minnesota since October of 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- Like the UMD women’s hockey team, the Bulldog men will also be taking on the Gophers this weekend. The two teams last met a little over a year ago on October 18th and 19th, with Minnesota taking both contests 7 to 5 and 5 to 1. UMD is so far a perfect 3-0 on the road this year…

Tony O’Neil Steps Down as Head Coach of Minnesota Monsters

O'Neil helped lead the then Harbor Monsters to back-to-back ArenaMania titles in their first two years as a team.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Minnesota Monsters make the jump to the AF1, they’ll be doing so without their head coach. On Wednesday, Tony O’Neil stepped down from his position, citing his mental health as the reason. O’Neil helped lead the then Harbor Monsters to back-to-back ArenaMania titles in their first two years as a team. He also was the Arena…

Prep Football: Esko & Duluth Denfeld Earn Home Wins in Respective Quarterfinal Round Matchups

The first round of the Minnesota prep football playoffs began on Tuesday night. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The first round of the Minnesota prep football playoffs began on Tuesday night. In section 7AAA, Esko hosted Proctor in the quarterfinals. Esko defended their home turf, defeating the Rails 50-0. Esko will hit the road on Saturday, October 25th, to take on Pierz in the semifinal round. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. Over in section 7AAAA, the…

State Soccer: Grand Rapids & Duluth East Girls, Duluth Denfeld Boys Fall in Quarterfinals

Three local soccer teams took the big stage on Tuesday night to begin state tournament play.

FOREST LAKE, Minn.- Three local soccer teams took the big stage on Tuesday night to begin state tournament play. Perhaps the most eager to get going was the Grand Rapids girls, who made their first-ever state tourney appearance. The Thunderhawks drew the defending champs, Mahtomedi, who they held in check in the first half and most of the second. But…

Hughes Once Again Named to U.S. Rivalry Series Roster

It's the 3rd straight year that she's set to skate for the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- Forward Gabbie Hughes has once again been named to the U.S. National roster for their upcoming rivalry series against Canada. It’s the 3rd straight year that she’s set to skate for the team. Hughes’ first game with the red, white, and blue is November 6th in Cleveland. Hughes currently plays for the Ottawa Charge of the PWHL. Categories:…

Mayer & Gascon Earn WCHA Weekly Honors, UMD Remains Ranked #4

UMD plays host to Minnesota on Friday at 7:02.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team stayed put at number four in the USCHO Poll. They also had some players pick up some weekly WCHA honors. Forward Rae Meyer is the Rookie of the Week after posting three points in UMD’s sweep of MSU-Mankato. Her teammate, Eve Gascon is the Goaltender of the Week. She stopped 41 of the…

UMD Football & Volleyball See Some Movement in Recent Polls

Both the UMD football and volleyball teams moved a bit in their respective polls.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD football and volleyball teams moved a bit in their respective polls. The Bulldog football squad moves up a spot to number 15 after their bye week. UMD will host UMary on Saturday. As for the UMD volleyball team, they go down a spot to number 18. They’ll be in action Tuesday at Bemidji State. Categories:…

Five Local Soccer Teams Learn State Seeding & First Round Opponent

Over the weekend, the state seedings for both boys and girls soccer were released.

DULUTH, Minn.- Over the weekend, the state seedings for both boys and girls soccer were released. And only one local team secured higher than a 5th seed spot. That team would be the Esko girls, who are set for their 4th straight state tournament. Esko earns the 4th seed and will clash with the 5th seed, St. Croix Prep in…

UMD Men’s Hockey Cracks Top 20 for First Time in Over a Year

UMD heads to Minneapolis to battle the Gophers this upcoming weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is ranked for the first time in over a year. The Bulldogs are now the 18th ranked team in the country after their weekend sweep of Bemidji State. Interestingly enough, it was the Beavers who the Bulldogs played the last time when they were ranked. That matchup took place on October 5th in…

Prep Football: Hermantown, Duluth Denfeld, & Esko End Regular Season with Victories, Proctor Falls

The final week of the Minnesota prep football season kicked off on Wednesday night. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The final week of the Minnesota prep football season kicked off on Wednesday night. In Hermantown, a rematch of last years section 7AAAA championship game took place, as the 6-1 Hawks hosted the 6-1 North Branch Vikings. The Hawks dominated all game, defeating the Vikings 56-26. Hermantown ends the regular season with a 7-1 record. Cloquet aimed for…

After Spending First Month on Road, UMD Women’s Hockey Ready for Home Opener

UMD is vying for their 95th win all-time against Minnesota State.

DULUTH, Minn.- After almost a month on the road, the UMD women’s hockey team will finally be able to play in front of their home fans this upcoming weekend. The Bulldogs continuing their WCHA slate by taking on the Mavericks of Minnesota State. It’s been a while since UMD has dropped a game to Minnesota State. You have to look…

UMD Men’s Hockey Set for Home and Home Series with Bemidji State

In the two squads last 10 meetings, UMD holds a 6-1-2 record with the lone loss coming last year on October 5th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is preparing for a home and home series with Bemidji State. In the two squads last 10 meetings, UMD holds a 6-1-2 record with the lone loss coming last year on October 5th. Head Coach Scott Sandelin sees a lot of improvement from his upcoming opponent while comparing last year to this year….

UW-Superior Golf Well Represented in End of the Year UMAC Honors

The UW-Superior men won the UMAC conference tournament recently.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS had plenty of end of the year honors in men’s and women’s golf. Men’s coach Paul Eberhardt is the UMAC Coach of the Year. Superior’s Andrew Rude earns UMAC Player of the Year Honors. Andrew Slatten is the Rookie of the Year. Lastly, 10 total men’s and women’s golfers earn all-conference honors. Categories: College, Sports

Esko Girls Soccer Blanks Proctor for 4th Straight Section 7A Title

Esko was led by Britta Koski, who had the lone goal in the contest.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team will once again get the chance to play for a state title. On Tuesday, Esko defeated Proctor 1-0 to claim their fourth straight Section 7A title. Esko was led by Britta Koski, who had the lone goal in the contest. Esko will learn who their first round opponent is at state over the…

Debay’s Late Goal in OT Sends Grand Rapids Girls Soccer to First-Ever State Tourney

Kylie Debay scored the lone goal with 58 seconds left in overtime.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Grand Rapids girls soccer team will finally be able to play on the big stage at state. On Tuesday, the Thunderhawks defeated the Hawks of Hermantown 1-0 in the Section 7AA title game. Kylie Debay scored the lone goal with 58 seconds left in overtime. The state tournament matchups will be announced over the weekend. Categories:…

Duluth Marshall Boys Soccer Heading to State for 3rd Straight Season

Mason Park and Benson Peterson each had two goals for Marshall.

RAMSEY, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys soccer team claimed their 3rd straight Section 7A title on Tuesday. Playing Spectrum, the Hilltoppers found the back of the net four times in the first half and wouldn’t look back to pick up the 5 to 1 win. Mason Park and Benson Peterson each had two goals for Marshall. State matchups will be…

Northwestern’s Ethan Harms to Continue Football Career at Dordt

So far this season, the quarterback/receiver has 440 rushing yards, 423 receiving yards, and 17 total touchdowns.

MAPLE, Wis.- Northwestern’s Ethan Harms now knows where he’ll be heading once his time with the Tigers wraps up. On Sunday, Harms announced his commitment to Dordt University, a Division three team based out of the Great Plains Athletic Conference. So far this season, the quarterback/receiver has 440 rushing yards, 423 receiving yards, and 17 total touchdowns. He’ll join former…

After Suffering First Loss, UMD Football Falls to #16 in AFCA Poll

This is the 2nd time this season that UMD has been ranked 16th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team did see some movement after suffering their first loss of the year at Northern State on Saturday. The Bulldogs have fallen to 16th after previously being 10th a week ago. This is the 2nd time this season that UMD has been ranked 16th, with the last time being on September 15th. UMD will have…

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

The Bulldogs suffered their first two losses of the season, falling 4 to 3 and 4-0 to top-ranked Wisconsin.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a tough weekend for the UMD women’s hockey squad. The Bulldogs suffered their first two losses of the season, falling 4 to 3 and 4-0 to top-ranked Wisconsin. Even with the sweep, UMD wasn’t impacted in the latest USCHO poll. The team remains ranked 4th in the nation. This upcoming weekend will mark the first time…

Prep Football: Northwestern Stays Undefeated, Cloquet Wins Thriller, Duluth Denfeld Falls at Home

Friday marked week 8 for prep football teams in Wisconsin. 

MAPLE, Wis.- Friday marked week 8 for prep football teams in Wisconsin. The Northwestern Tigers hosted Ashland in the U.S Highway 2 rivalry game. The Tigers defeated the Oredockers 49-0 to win their 18th consecutive U.S Highway 2 rivalry game. Over in Minnesota, the Cloquet Lumberjacks squared off against Duluth East. The Lumberjacks defeated the Greyhounds 21-20 after a game-winning…

Four-Goal 2nd Period Propels Bulldog Men’s Hockey Past Vikings

Scout Truman, Ty Hanson, Callum Arnott, and Max Plante all found the back of the net in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team improved to 3-0 on the season on Friday night, defeating Augustana 4-1. After a scoreless first period, the Bulldogs broke out in the 2nd, scoring four goals to head into the final period. Scout Truman, Ty Hanson, Callum Arnott, and Max Plante all found the back of the net in the victory. UMD…

Mirage Forward Taylee Manion Invited to U.S. U-18 National Team Selection Camp

Manion has been on the Mirage varsity team since 8th grade and has totaled eight goals and 22 assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Mirage sophomore Taylee Manion will get another chance to impress the U.S. U-18 higher-ups. Earlier this week, she was invited to their selection camp, set to take place on October 26th in Blaine. Manion has been on the Mirage varsity team since 8th grade and has totaled eight goals and 22 assists. She is the youngest player of…

Superior’s Austin Edwards Staying Home to Play College Baseball at UWS

This past spring, the left-hander threw a team-high 40 innings.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A current Superior Spartan is staying home to play college ball. Senior pitcher and outfielder Austin Edwards announced his commitment to UW-Superior on Thursday. This past spring, the left-hander threw a team-high 40 innings. When he’s not pitching, he can play all outfield positions and also play some first base. During the summer months, Edwards suited up for…

Girls Soccer: Duluth East & Hermantown Make Respective Section Title Games

All section soccer title games take place on October 14th.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight year, the Duluth East girls soccer team will play for the Section 7AAA title. On Thursday, the Greyhounds shut out Andover 8-0 in the semifinals to earn their spot. They’ll next host Blaine in the section title game on October 14th at 5 PM. In 7AA, Hermantown completed the upset over Cloquet-Carlton, 1 to…

UMD Men’s Hoops Picked to Finish 1st in NSIC North, Women Slated for 3rd

Both UMD squads will tip off the regular season on November 14th.

DULUTH, Minn.- If it was up to the NSIC coaches then the UMD men’s team is going to have a good season. On Thursday, the Bulldogs were picked to finish first in the NSIC North coaches poll. UMD received 47 points, which was four points higher than Minnesota State-Moorhead, who came in 2nd in the poll. Also announced were the…

Girls Soccer: Esko & Proctor to Meet in Section 7A Title Game After Semifinal Wins

It will be the 4th straight year Esko has played for the Section title.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team will once again play for the Section 7A crown. On Wednesday, Esko defeated Spectrum 10 to 0 in the semifinals to secure their spot. It will be the 4th straight year Esko has played for the Section title. They’ll next face Proctor, who defeated Legacy Christian Academy 4 to 0 in the other…

Panthers Release Former Bulldog Aiden Williams from Practice Squad

The Alaska native originally signed with the team back on October 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD offensive lineman Aiden Williams is once again a free agent. On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers released Williams from their practice squad. The Alaska native originally signed with the team back on October 1st. He’s also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this season. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

#4 UMD Women’s Hockey to Clash with #1 Wisconsin in WCHA Opener

UMD will try for their first win in Madison since December of 2023.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight season, the UMD women’s hockey team will open up WCHA play against the top ranked team in the nation. Last year, the Bulldogs swept Ohio State and this year they’ll try to do it against Wisconsin. UMD has struggled in recent years against the Badgers. In their last 10 meetings, the Bulldogs have only…

UMD Men’s Hockey & Augustana Set for First-Ever Matchup

The Vikings are currently in their 3rd season as a division one program.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team returns home after a successful 2-0 weekend against Alaska Fairbanks. The Bulldogs now turn their attention to a Augustana squad, who they’ve never played before. The Vikings are currently in their 3rd season as a division one program. However, head coach Scott Sandelin says not to look past the fresh D1 squad. “They’re…

Northwood/Solon Springs Pitcher & Catcher Isaiah Ahlberg to Continue Baseball Career at UMD

Ahlberg plays pitcher and catcher for Northwood/Solon Springs.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Northwood/Solon Springs senior Isaiah Ahlberg announced his commitment to UMD baseball. Just last season, Ahlberg had six wins and 96 strikeouts. He also led the team in runs, doubles, home runs, stolen bases, on base percentage and slugging. Categories: High School, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Girls Soccer: Esko & Proctor Both Secure Spots in Section 7A Semifinals

The Section 7A tournament continues on Wednesday.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team is one step closer to securing another Section 7A title. On Monday, Esko opened up Section 7A tournament play against PACT with a 7-0 victory. Esko will next face Spectrum, who topped Two Harbors 3-2, Wednesday at 6 PM. On the other side of the bracket, Proctor handled LILA, 6-0. Gianna Hansen scored…

After Bye Week, UMD Women’s Hockey Now Ranked 4th in the Country

So far this season, UMD is unbeaten as they picked up the sweep in Mercyhurst and Syracuse.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team saw some movement in the latest USCHO Poll. After being on a bye week, the Bulldogs moved up one spot to number four in the country. So far this season, UMD is unbeaten as they picked up the sweep in Mercyhurst and Syracuse. They continue their roadtrip this upcoming Saturday by taking on…

UMD Football Moves Up to #10 in Latest AFCA Poll

This is UMD's best national ranking since the 2018 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team continues to roll this season. Just this past Saturday, they handled Southwest Minnesota State 63 to 28 at home to improve to 6-0 on the year. As a result of their success, they are once again moving up in the AFCA Poll. The Bulldogs are now the 10th ranked team in the country after…

UW-Superior Men’s Golf Captures UMAC Title for 3rd Time in Last Four Seasons

It's the 6th conference title in program history for the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s golf team is once again UMAC champions. This past Saturday, they wrapped up their 6th conference title in program history by scoring a team total of 913, which was six strokes ahead of 2nd place, Bethany Lutheran. Individually, Superior’s Andrew Rude medaled with a three-day total of 223. This is the 3rd conference title in…

Prep Football: Hermantown, Duluth East, Cloquet, & Two Harbors All Secure Week 6 Wins

Friday marked Week 6 for prep football teams in Minnesota.

ESKO, Minn.- The Hermantown football team bounced back on Friday night, defeating Esko 31 to 6. Martin Sleen led the Hawks with 213 yards rushing and three rushing touchdowns. In Duluth, Duluth East and Duluth Denfeld renewed their rivalry. This year, bragging rights go to the Greyhounds as they come away with the 33-6 win. Cloquet is victorious for the…

C.J. Ham Listed as Questionable for Sunday’s Game Against the Browns

Ham has previously missed the first four games of the regular season while dealing with a knee injury.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth native and Vikings fullback C.J. Ham is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. Ham has previously missed the first four games of the regular season while dealing with a knee injury. If he’s good to go, he’ll look to help out a depleted offensive line that’s without guard Donovan Jackson, centers Ryan…

Port Wing’s Megan Gustafson Looking to Add WNBA Champion to Resume

So far this postseason, the center has averaged three points per game on 46 percent shooting.

PORT WING, Wis.- It’s been quite the last 14 months for Port Wing native Megan Gustafson. In August of 2024, she suited up for Spain in the Summer Olympics. Then just two months ago, she released her first book. And now, she’s looking to add WNBA champion to her resume. Friday night, Gustafson and the Las Vegas Aces will host…

Prep Soccer: Cloquet/Carlton Girls Hand Esko 2nd Loss, Hermantown & Denfeld Boys Tie

The Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team will enter section tournament play on a four-game winning streak.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team will enter section tournament play on a five-game winning streak. On Thursday night, the Lumberjacks were able to get the best of Esko, 3 to 1. It’s just the 2nd loss of the season for Esko. Both teams now turn their attention to their respective section tournaments. In boys action, Hermantown and Duluth…

Vikings Open Practice Window for Fullback & Duluth Native C.J. Ham

Ham, who has been dealing with a knee injury, has so far been a full participant all week at practice.

EAGAN, Minn.- Duluth native C.J. Ham is nearing a return to action. Earlier this week, Minnesota opened the practice window for the fullback. That means for the next 21 days he’ll be able to practice with the team and won’t count against the 53-man roster limit. Ham, who has been dealing with a knee injury, has so far been a…

UWS Goaltender Quinn Clark Earns UMAC Defensive Player of the Week Honors

The former Greyhound had 11 saves in contests against Northwestern and Minnesota Morris.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS goaltender Quinn Clark has earned UMAC Defensive Player of the Week honors for her efforts this past weekend. The former Greyhound had 11 saves in contests against Northwestern and Minnesota Morris. 10 of those saves happened in the bout against the Eagles. Clark is so far 3-3-2 in net this year for the Yellowjackets. She and the…

Northern Star: Jevon Williams

Williams leads the Saints with 503 rushing yards this season.

DULUTH, Minn.-St. Scholastica sophomore running back Jevon Williams is having quite the 2025 breakout campaign. In just three games this season, he’s already surpassed his rushing yards total from a year ago by 201 yards. “Just this whole off-season I’ve been really putting my focus towards just being a bigger part of this program, like really showing out for the…

Duluth East Boys Soccer Closes Out Regular Season with Shutout of Hermantown

Duluth East will enter section play with a 12-2-1 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys soccer ended the regular season portion of their schedule with a win. Playing Hermantown on Wednesday night, the Greyhounds came away with the 7 to 0 victory. They now turn their focus to section play, which is set to begin next week. As for Hermantown (8-4-3), they have one regular season game at Duluth…

Aiden Williams Back in the NFL as a Member of the Panthers’ Practice Squad

The Alaska native previously spent time with the Steelers in training camp and also was on their practice squad for a brief period.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD offensive lineman Aiden Williams is back on a NFL roster. On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers signed Williams to their practice squad. The Alaska native previously spent time with the Steelers in training camp and also was on their practice squad for a brief period. Since he was released by Pittsburgh on September 3rd, Williams had a…

UMD Volleyball Aims to Keep Perfect Home Record Alive Against Mary & Minot

Since 2013, the Bulldogs are a perfect 28-0 combined against the Marauders and Beavers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team had to work the whole way through this past weekend as they went to five sets in both games against Wayne State and Augustana. In the first contest against the Wildcats, the Bulldogs were just four points away from the victory but Wayne rallied to hand UMD their first loss of the season. The…

UWS Volleyball Takes Bragging Rights Over CSS for 2nd Time in 2025

UWS was led by Makenna Hohbein, who had 11 kills in the victory.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The St. Scholastica and UW-Superior volleyball teams clashed for the 2nd time in 10 days on Tuesday. Like the previous matchup, the Yellowjackets once again came away with the victory, winning in straight sets. UWS was led by Makenna Hohbein, who had 11 kills in the victory. As for CSS, Ava Swangstue led the team with eight kills….