Author: Neil Vierzba

Duluth Wolfpack Boys Secure Home-Opening Win against Grand Rapids

The Wolfpack (2-1) will next be in action on Friday when they host St. Paul Central. Gametime is scheduled for 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack boys lacrosse team picked up their 2nd win of the season on Tuesday, defeating Grand Rapids 15 to 4. The Wolfpack (2-1) will next be in action on Friday when they host St. Paul Central. Gametime is scheduled for 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

#17 St. Benedict’s Takes Two Away from CSS Softball

CSS (12-14) will next be in action on Wednesday when they host Carleton in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is at 3:30 pm.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica softball team would play 17th ranked St. Benedict’s tough on Tuesday, but would ultimately fall in both games. In game one, a home run by the Bennies in the top of the 5th would be the difference maker as they won 4 to 3. They would follow that contest up with a 9 to 1…

UWS Softball Opens Home Slate with Doubleheader Sweep of Crown

UWS (21-5) will next be in action on Wednesday for a doubleheader at Northwestern. First pitch of game one is set for 3:30 pm.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After spending the first 24 games of their season on the road, the UWS softball team finally played at home on Tuesday. They would defeat Crown College 4 to 1 and 11 to 2 to pick up the sweep. UWS (21-5) will next be in action on Wednesday for a doubleheader at Northwestern. First pitch of game one…

CSS Men’s Tennis Sees Season End in 1st Ever MIAC Tournament

CSS ends the season with an overall record of 12-8.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s tennis team made their first ever MIAC tournament appearance on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the Saints would be swept in all doubles matchups. Then in singles competition, St. John’s and St. Scholastica would split with three wins each. In the end, St. John’s moves on with the 6 to 3 victory. CSS ends the season with…

Hermantown and Superior Baseball Pick Up Conference Wins

Hermantown moves to 2-0, Superior breaks .500 and Grand Rapids falls to 0-3.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- NBC Sports Complex hosted a pair of Lake Superior Conference baseball match-ups Monday afternoon. In the early slot, Hermantown moved to 2-0 on the season after defeating Grand Rapids 8-3. Hermantown will hope to keep rolling, Wednesday on the road against Proctor. First pitch is scheduled for 5 PM. While later that evening, Superior picked up win number…

Middleton & Blair to Return for UMD Men’s Hoops in 2023-2024

The duo has combined for 2,931 points as well as 425 made threes from beyond the arc.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team will return two seniors from a year ago. Guards Drew Blair and Jack Middleton both have elected to use their extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The duo has combined for 2,931 points as well as 425 made threes from beyond the arc. They’ve also seen…

Top Play of the Week: 4/21

This week’s top play belongs to St. Scholastica baseball player Ryan Garlick.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play belongs to St. Scholastica baseball player Ryan Garlick. Garlick made two spectacular diving catches in Scholastica’s contest against Gustavus on Tuesday. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Wilderness Take Game One Win From Kenai River Brown Bears 3-1

Reid Daavettila would net the eventual go-ahead goal in the 2nd period.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness started off the postseason with a win on Friday, defeating Kenai River 3-1 to take a one game series lead in their best of five game series. Reid Daavettila would net the eventual go-ahead goal in the 2nd period. Gunnar Thoreson and Kevin Marx Noren would have the other goals in the contest. Game two…

UWS Names Emily Carpenter as Head Women’s Basketball Coach

In her first season leading the Yellowjackets, Carpenter helped guide UWS to a 10-14 record.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After a national search, UWS has removed the interim tag from Emily Carpenter’s title and named her the head women’s basketball coach on Friday. In her first season leading the Yellowjackets, Carpenter helped guide UWS to a 10-14 record. Which was an improvement of four more wins and five fewer losses than the previous year. She also suited…

UMD Volleyball Releases Schedule for 2023 Season

It all starts on September 1st when the Bulldogs will take part in the Ferris State Invitational. Their first matchup will be against Adelphi.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD has revealed their schedule for the 2023 season. It all starts on September 1st when the Bulldogs will take part in the Ferris State Invitational. Their first matchup will be against Adelphi. They’ll also face the host and Wayne State of Michigan that weekend. The following week will be their home opener. As part of the Up…

Duluth Native & Former Bulldog Dominic Toninato Re-Signs with Winnipeg Jets

The Duluth East grad played five games for the Jets this season and recorded one assist.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba.- A former Bulldog re-upped with his NHL team on Wednesday. Duluth native Dominic Toninato has signed a two-year, two-way extension with the Winnipeg Jets. The Duluth East grad played five games for the Jets this season and recorded one assist. Most of his game action came in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose. In 50 games, he would have…

Former Bemidji State Forward Reece Hunt Joins UMD as Graduate Transfer

Hunt is coming off a year in which she led the Beavers with a team-high 12 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team announced Thursday that Reece Hunt, a graduate forward from Bemidji State has joined the team for the upcoming season. Hunt is coming off a year in which she led the Beavers with a team-high 12 points. Her six goals landed her at 2nd on the team in scoring. In her four years at…

Esko’s Koi Perich to Play College Football at University of Minnesota

The 2nd ranked player in the state of Minnesota wrapped up his junior season with 75 tackles, three interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

ESKO, Minn.- He had interest from half of the Big Ten conference, so it was likely Esko junior safety Koi Perich was going to pick a team that is a part of the power five. Wednesday, he did just that. Perich announced he will be staying in his home state and will play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers starting in…

Prep Softball: Proctor & Grand Rapids Open Seasons with Victories

Proctor will next play at Superior on Friday. Meanwhile, Grand Rapids will play at Rock Ridge on Wednesday.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor softball team opened their season on Tuesday with two wins. They would defeat Bemidji 5 to 2 earlier in the day. Then follow that up with a 16 to 1 victory over South Ridge. Proctor (2-0) will next play at Superior on Friday. In other softball action, Grand Rapids would get the best of Duluth Denfeld…

Woes Continue for CSS Baseball as Gusties Sweep Saints

CSS (3-20) will next host Carleton on Saturday in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is set for 1 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica baseball team would put up a fight against Gustavus Adolphus on Tuesday, ultimately falling short in both games of a doubleheader. In game one, the Gusties would take down the Saints seven to nothing. They would follow that up with a 10-2 victory in game two. CSS (3-20) will next host Carleton on Saturday in…

UMD Men’s Hockey Reveals Schedule for 2023-2024 Season

UMD will drop the puck against Michigan Tech on October 7th for a single game to open the season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team revealed their schedule for the 2023-2024 season on Tuesday. They’ll drop the puck against Michigan Tech on October 7th for a single game to open the season. The following weekend they will have their first full series when they welcome Northern Michigan to town. One other notable includes a home and home series…

Bulldog Women’s Hockey Seniors McMahon & Stewart to Return for 5th Year

The duo has plenty of experience which includes two NCAA Frozen Four appearances during their tenure.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team received a boost from two key returners on Tuesday. Mannon McMahon and Taylor Stewart both have accepted their additional year of eligibility that was granted by the NCAA due to the Covid-19 pandemic. McMahon is coming off a career year in which she had 11 goals and 18 assists, both were career-highs. Same…

UWS Tennis Defends Home Court with Sweep of UMAC Foe Bethany Lutheran

The Yellowjackets will next be in action on Friday when they play at Crown College.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s and women’s tennis teams would pick up wins on Monday. The men’s team would improve to 18-3 overall and 6-0 in the conference by defeating Bethany Lutheran 8 to 1. As for the women’s team, they captured win number seven with the 9 to 0 victory over the Vikings. The Yellowjackets will next be in…

UMD Graduate Forward Gabbie Hughes Grabs Gold at Women’s Worlds

In national play, the Lino Lakes native would tally one goal and one assist.

BRAMPTON, Ontario.- UMD graduate forward Gabbie Hughes has captured gold with the US Women’s National Team. Hughes and Team USA would defeat Canada 6 to 3 in the IIHF Women’s World Championship on Sunday. In national play, the Lino Lakes native would tally one goal and one assist. Hughes was one of four Bulldogs to medal at the tournament. In…

Prep Baseball: Hibbing & Cloquet Grab Wins on the Diamond

Wade Stadium was the place to be on Friday as it hosted multiple prep baseball games.

DULUTH, Minn.- The prep baseball season is officially underway in the Northland. Wade Stadium was the place to be on Friday as it hosted multiple prep baseball games. Early in the day, Hibbing would defeat South Ridge 9 to 7. The Bluejackets (1-0) will next play at Hermantown on Tuesday. As for the Panthers (0-1) they will look to bounce…

Duluth Wolfpack Girls Open Season with 14 to 9 Victory Over Big Lake

The Wolfpack (1-0) will next be in action on April 21st when they play at Southwest Christian.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack girls lacrosse team opened the year with a win on Friday, defeating Big Lake 14 to 9 at home. The Wolfpack (1-0) will next be in action on April 21st when they play at Southwest Christian. Game time is at 5:15 pm. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

UMD Softball Knocks Off Winona State in Home-Opening Doubleheader

The Bulldogs (27-8) will next be in action on Saturday when they take on Upper Iowa in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is set for noon.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team improved to 27-8 on the season on Friday after sweeping Winona State at home. In game one, UMD erupted for ten runs to take down the Warriors 10 to nothing. Nicole Schmitt would hit a grand slam to in the 1st inning to help lead UMD. Then in game two, it would take extras…

Packers Tailgate Tour Makes Stops in Superior

President and CEO Mark Murphy, as well as current Packer players Aaron Jones and Elgton Jenkins, along with former players Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Eddie Lacy, Evan Smith, and Davon House were all on hand.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In recent years, the Packers have had to modify their tailgate tour due to the pandemic. But this year, they’re back in full force and they made their way to Superior Thursday for multiple stops. One of the stops was at Superior High School Thursday morning. President and CEO Mark Murphy, as well as current Packer players Aaron…

Concordia-St. Paul Takes Two from UMD Baseball in NSIC Doubleheader

UMD (12-20) will next be in action on April 19th when they host Bemidji State in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is set for 1:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD baseball team held their first two games in Duluth on Thursday. Ultimately, it would go the road team’s way both games as Concordia-St. Paul took down UMD. In game one, the Bulldogs would hold a 7-0 lead through four innings. After that though it was all Golden Bears as they score 11 unanswered for the 11…

Former Bulldog Nick Swaney to Make NHL Debut with Minnesota Wild

Swaney will be the 17th former Bulldog to play in a NHL game this season.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Former UMD right winger Nick Swaney received the call of a lifetime on Wednesday as the Minnesota Wild called him up from the AHL. Swaney will be in uniform and make his debut Thursday when the Wild play at the Predators. So far this season, he has tallied 28 points for the Iowa Wild. Swaney will be…

Cobbers Spoil Home Opener for Saints Baseball with Doubleheader Sweep

The Saints will next be in action on Saturday when they host Augsburg in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is set for 1 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica baseball team opened up the home portion of their schedule on Wednesday. Unfortunately, they would drop both games to Concordia. In game one, the Cobbers would score 13 unanswered runs to take the victory 13 to 2. Jack Harris would have two runs batted in to lead the Saints. Then in game two, it once…

UMD’s Lauren Dixon Named NSIC Pitcher of the Week for 2nd Straight Week

It's the 5th time this season a Bulldog has either won the NSIC Player of the Week or NSIC Pitcher of the Week.

DULUTH, Minn.- What a eventful two weeks it has been for UMD junior pitcher Lauren Dixon. Just last Tuesday, she was the first ever UMD pitcher to be named D2 NFCA Pitcher of the Week. That same day she was named NSIC Pitcher of the Week. Fast forward to Tuesday, and Dixon has done it again. She is the NSIC…

UMD Men’s Hockey Adds Bast & McMenamin Via Transfer Portal

Bast played for North Dakota the last seasons. Meanwhile, McMenamin is coming in as a senior from Penn State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team has added two members to their roster for the upcoming season. They come via the transfer portal and have seen plenty of action over the past few seasons. First up is senior wing Connor McMenamin, who comes from Penn State. McMenamin served as the alternate captain for the Nittany Lions the past two…

CSS Softball Settles for Split in Home-Opening Doubleheader with Concordia (MN)

CSS (11-9) will next play at Augsburg for a doubleheader on Tuesday. First pitch of game one is set for 3:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica softball team finally was able to play on campus on Monday. They would go on to split a doubleheader with Concordia (MN). In game one, the Cobbers would hang on against the Saints as they picked up the 7 to 4 victory. Then in game two, the Saints battled back for another close contest that…

Brooke Olson Named Finalist for D2 Honda Athlete of the Year for Basketball

Olson is coming off a season in which she led the Bulldogs to their first-ever appearance in an NCAA title game.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another prestigious honor for UMD graduate forward Brooke Olson. Olson was named a finalist for the D2 Honda Athlete of the Year award for basketball on Monday. She is coming off a season in which she led the Bulldogs to their first-ever appearance in an NCAA title game. Olson averaged an impressive 28.5 points per game and 19.6…

Wilderness Salvage Split with Windigo in Final Regular Season Home Series

Kevin Marx Noren, Oliver Stumpel, and Sawyer Scholl would all score for the Wilderness in the contest.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness bounced back on Friday, defeating the Wisconsin Windigo 3 to 2 at home. Kevin Marx Noren, Oliver Stumpel, and Sawyer Scholl would all score for the Wilderness in the contest. Next up, Minnesota will travel to Chippewa Falls to face the Steel in their final regular season series. Puck drop for game one is set…

Gabbie Hughes Wins 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award

Hughes is the first-ever Bulldog to win the humanitarian award.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a day to remember for UMD graduate forward Gabbie Hughes on Friday. Hughes won the 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award for her involvement with Sophie’s Squad. Sophie’s Squad is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the mental health of athletes from the youth level to college. Just this past season, the Bulldogs hosted a hockey hits back…

Superior City FC Men’s Team Reveals First Two Players on Roster

Lumsden and Gonzalez both played for the Hayward Wolfpack last season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The newly formed Superior City FC men’s soccer squad has announced the first two players on their roster. And both have ties to the Twin Ports. First up is forward Mally Lumsden. Lumsden played collegiately at St. Scholastica and most recently he suited up for the Hayward Wolfpack. Just last season, he led the WPASL with 26 goals….

UMD Football Releases Regular Season Schedule for 2023 Season

The Bulldogs will open up the year with an opponent they haven't seen since 1998.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD football released their schedule for the upcoming 2023 season on Thursday. The Bulldogs will open up the year with an opponent they haven’t seen since 1998. It’ll be Northern Michigan and UMD at Malosky Stadium on August 31st to kick off the season. That game will also be the first non-conference game the Bulldogs have played in…

Duluth East Guard Jobe Juenemann to Play College Hoops at Bemidji State

The senior would average 16.3 points per game while shooting 41 percent from beyond the three point arc.

DULUTH, Minn.- After helping lead the Duluth East boys basketball team to a 20-8 record this past season and finishing in the section 7AAAA semifinals, forward Jobe Juenemann announced his college commitment late Wednesday night. Juenemann will make the two hour and 45 minute drive to Bemidji to play for the Beavers of Bemidji State next season. The senior would…

The Arena League Awards Duluth with New Indoor Football Team

The yet to be named Duluth team will play their home games at the DECC arena beginning in June 2024.

DULUTH, Minn.- In early February, there were reports that Duluth was one of the choices on a fan vote for a arena football league team set to begin in 2024. Fast forward to Wednesday. “The Arena League is here to announce that Duluth will be one of the four teams that will be a part of our season starting in…

Superior’s Kloe Zentkowski Commits to Play Basketball at Michigan Tech

She would average nearly 12 points and eight rebounds per game for the Spartans this past season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior junior guard Kloe Zentkowski knows who her next team will be. Zentkowski announced her commitment to Michigan Tech late last week. She would average nearly 12 points and eight rebounds per game for the Spartans this past season. Her efforts on the court made her an honorable mention on the All Lake Superior conference team. The 6’1…

Gabbie Hughes Makes U.S. National Team for 2023 Women’s World Championship

Hughes finished her college career fifth all-time at UMD in scoring with 214 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- Gabbie Hughes may have finished up her Bulldog career just a few weeks ago. But, she will hit the ice once again this week donning the red, white, and blue for Team USA at the Women’s World Championship. Hughes is one of 25 players selected to represent Team USA. This will also be her IIHF debut as she…

UMD’s Memorable Season Comes to a Close in First-Ever National Title Game

UMD finishes the year with a program best 32-4 record.

DALLAS, Texas.- Saturday was the day that the UMD women’s basketball team competed in their first-ever Division II National Championship game. The Bulldogs would come into the matchup with a 32-3 record while their opponent, Ashland was a perfect 36-0. UMD would have some high points in the 1st, including an Ella Gilbertson drive- by lay in that gave them…

UMD Women’s Basketball Makes Red Carpet Entrance for Championship Game

UMD and Ashland tip things off at 2:30 on Saturday afternoon.

DALLAS, Texas.- Before the UMD women’s basketball team took the floor at American Airlines Center, they walked the red carpet being greeted and cheered on by some of their biggest supporters. The team would make their way in from the Party Plaza and through a sea of maroon and gold into the center. Click on the video above to see…

UMD Talks Night Before & Court Ahead of National Championship Game

The team had their final practice in Irving Friday morning before Saturday's title game.

DALLAS, Texas.- For most, if not all the UMD players, Saturday will mark the first time they have played on an NBA Court. The UMD women’s team had their first chance at testing out American Airlines Arena on Thursday. Here’s what they had to say on the differences and challenges of playing in a different setting. “Well coach Pearson always…

Bulldog Alums Flock to Dallas to Root on Alma Mater

Neil Vierzba caught up with former player and current Superior Athletic Director Ella Olson to talk all things Bulldogs and the upcoming National Championship game.

DALLAS, Texas.- It’s a once in a lifetime experience and many alumni are flocking to Dallas to cheer on their Bulldogs. Neil Vierzba caught up with former player and current Superior Athletic Director Ella Olson to talk all things Bulldogs and the upcoming National Championship game. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Parents Feel Pressure Too as UMD Nears Title Game

Joanne and Tim will be at the game to cheer on their daughters Saturday at 2:30 PM.

DALLAS, Texas.- Playing for a national championship can make any player nervous. But what about their biggest supporters? Neil Vierzba caught up with a few parents to hear what their emotions will be like once they see their Bulldog hit the American Airlines arena floor on Saturday. “It’s as much a dream come true for us as it is for…

Dogs in Dallas: What to Expect

Stay with Fox 21 as we'll have live reports from Dallas on Friday and Saturday.

DALLAS, Texas.- Fox 21 Sports Director Neil Vierzba is down in Dallas, Texas to cover the Division II Women’s National Championship game between Ashland (OH) and UMD. He joined Morning Anchor Maria Vollom on the morning show to discuss the weekend ahead as well as all the events involving the Bulldogs. Stay with Fox 21 as we’ll have live reports…

Grand Rapids Native Micah Miller Signs with Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL

The former Thunderhawk just finished up his 5th season at St. Cloud State.

TUCSON, Arizona.- Grand Rapids native Micah Miller is the latest local hockey standout to put pen to paper. Miller is now a member of the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL. The Roadrunners are the affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes. The former Thunderhawk just finished up his 5th season at St. Cloud State. His best season came in the 2021-2022 season…

UMD Women’s Basketball Arrives in Dallas Ahead of National Title Game

The Bulldogs will hold a practice in Dallas Thursday. Then on Friday, they'll get to take in the Division I Final Four as fans.

DALLAS, Texas.- Wednesday was the day that the UMD women’s basketball team departed for Dallas ahead of their National Championship Game on Saturday. The Bulldogs would leave campus around 8:30 AM Wednesday morning and then would touchdown in the Lone Star State later in the afternoon. Earlier this week, we caught up with a few players and asked them if…

Sandelin Reflects on 2022-2023 Season in Final Press Conference of the Year

UMD has already received a boost as they will return forwards Luke Loheit and Quinn Olson as well as goalie Matthew Thiessen.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team wrapped up their season just over two weeks ago. It was a down year of sorts as the Bulldogs would finish with an overall record of 16-20-1. Now, they turn the page to the off-season. UMD has already received a boost as they will return forwards Luke Loheit and Quinn Olson as well…