Author: Neil Vierzba

UMD Softball Sees Season Come to End in NCAA Central Regions

The Bulldogs finish the year with an overall record of 40-13.

JOPLIN, Missouri- The UMD softball team was unable to hold off elimination on Friday at the NCAA Tournament, as they fell 4 to 3 to Rogers State. The Bulldogs were led by Elle Potts, who went two for three with one run batted in. UMD faced a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the 7th and they were unable to…

UMD Football’s Carmickle & Ojile Take Part in Vikings Rookie Camp

Carmickle and Ojile are part of a group of 42 total players that are scheduled to compete throughout the weekend.

EAGAN, Minn.- UMD wide receiver Armani Carmickle and Tight End Zach Ojile took part in Day 1 of the Minnesota Vikings rookie camp on Friday. Carmickle would don the number 12 and Ojile would rep number 31 as the duo went through multiple drills. Carmickle is coming off a record breaking year as he became the 6th Bulldog in program…

Former Thunderhawk Joey DelGreco Wins NAHL MVP & Rookie of the Year Awards

DelGreco finished third in the league for assists, points, and power-play assists.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma.- Former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk Joey DelGreco grabbed plenty of hardware on Thursday. DelGreco was named NAHL MVP of the Year and NAHL Rookie of the Year. He was third in the league for assists, points, and power-play assists. He also led all rookies in assists and points. DelGreco’s team is getting it done on the ice too….

Duluth East Forward Cole Christian to Play College Hockey at Air Force

The forward is coming off a monster season in which he tallied 69 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth East standout Cole Christian has found his new team. Christian announced his commitment to the Air Force Academy on Thursday. The forward is coming off a monster season in which he tallied 69 points, 30 of which were goals and 39 were assists. In his four years at East he would accumulate 121 total points. Categories: College,…

Missouri Southern Walks-Off Against UMD Softball in NCAA Central Region Opener

UMD will next play Southern Arkansas in an elimination game on Friday. First pitch is at 5 PM.

JOPLIN, Missouri- The UMD softball team would battle with Missouri Southern until the very end on Thursday, ultimately falling to the Lions 3 to 2 in the NCAA Central Region opener. Kiana Bender would tie the game up at two in the 5th with a solo home run. The score would stay tied at two until the bottom of the…

UMD Women’s Hockey Releases 2023-2024 Schedule, Stewart Enters Transfer Portal

The Bulldogs will open the year at home on October 6th against Long Island University.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team released their schedule on Wednesday. The Bulldogs will open the year at home on October 6th against Long Island University. Then the following weekend, they’ll welcome in Ohio State. Their matchup against the NCAA title runner ups will mark their first WCHA conference series. In the 34 games scheduled, 16 are against programs…

Prep Softball: Cloquet Blanks Hermantown for 3rd Consecutive Win

The Lumberjacks (8-4) will next be in action on Thursday when they host Grand Rapids.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet softball team improved to 8-4 on the year on Wednesday, shutting out Hermantown 1-0. A Lilly Witte RBI fielder’s choice in the bottom of the 1st would be the difference maker in the contest. Allie Jones would have eight strikeouts and only allow 3 hits for Cloquet on the mound. The Lumberjacks (8-4) will next be…

UMD’s Armani Carmickle Invited to Vikings Rookie Camp

Carmickle will be participating alongside teammate Zach Ojile this weekend at Vikings rookie camp.

DULUTH, Minn.- Almost two weeks ago UMD offensive lineman Brent Laing and Tight End Zach Ojile earned opportunites at the next level in the NFL. Now, their teammate wide receiver Armani Carmickle will be joining them. Carmickle will be participating alongside Ojile this weekend at Vikings rookie camp. The wideout is coming off a season in which he landed on…

Maria Stuber Steps Down as Head Men’s & Women’s Skiing Coach at St. Scholastica

Stuber took over in 2017 and guided the Saints the past seven seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica will be looking for a new men’s and women’s head skiing coach as on Wednesday Maria Stuber stepped down. Stuber took over in 2017 and guided the Saints the past seven seasons. Back in 2021, the Saints had a school record of five skiiers that qualified for the NCAA Championships. A national search for a new…

Prep Baseball: Esko Improves to 10-0, Duluth Marshall Grabs 5th Straight Victory

Esko (10-0) will next play at Roseau on Friday. Meanwhile, Duluth Marshall will play at Rock Ridge on Thursday.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko baseball team remained unbeaten on the year on Tuesday, defeating Hibbing 13 to 2 on their homefield. The Eskomos were led by Finn Furcht on the mound as he tossed seven strikeouts through three innings. Esko (10-0) will next play at Roseau on Friday. Hibbing (2-4) looks to bounce back at Cloquet on Thursday. In other…

Boys Lacrosse: Unbeaten Chisago Lakes Holds Off Duluth Wolfpack

Duluth (5-3) will next be in action on Saturday when they host Prior Lake. Gametime starts at 11:30 AM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack boys lacrosse team would put up a fight against Chisago Lakes, ultimately falling to the unbeaten Wildcats 9 to 6. Duluth (5-3) will next be in action on Saturday when they host Prior Lake. Gametime starts at 11:30 AM. Categories: High School, Sports

Hermantown Native Aaron Pionk Flips Commitment from Minnesota State to UMD

He'll be the 5th player from Hermantown on UMD's roster, joining Zam Plante, Joey Pierce, Blake Biondi, and Darian Gotz.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former hermantown standout has flipped his decision to commit to Minnesota State and will now be suiting up for UMD next fall. Aaron Pionk announced his commitment to the Bulldogs on Tuesday. It’s a family affair as his brother Neal played for UMD from 2015 to 2017. Pionk most recently suited up for the Waterloo Black Hawks…

Boys Volleyball Approved as Sanctioned Sport by MSHSL

The league is still deciding if play will begin in the fall or spring of 2024-2025.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- A big day for local boys volleyball teams as the Minnesota State High School League representative assembly approved boys volleyball as a sanctioned sport. 32 votes were needed for approval and it received 39. The sport had been previously voted down three times, most recently in 2022. Minnesota now becomes the 25th state association to sanction the sport….

Longtime Esko Basketball Coach Mike Devney to Be Inducted Into MBCA Hall of Fame

Devney spent 19 seasons leading Esko. His best season came in 2014 when the Eskomos captured the Class AA state championship.

ESKO, Minn.- A longtime boys basketball coach for the Eskomos, Mike Devney will be inducted in the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Devney spent 19 seasons leading Esko. His best season came in 2014 when the Eskomos captured the Class AA state championship. Devney also had stints with Carlton, where he led the Bulldogs to the state title…

UMD Baseball Forces Rubber Match with UMary in Last Series of Season

The series finale will start at noon on Saturday.

BISMARCK, ND.- The UMD baseball team will be wrapping up their season this weekend in Bismarck. The Bulldogs played two against the Marauders on Friday and would end up splitting. In game one, UMD would see a 5 to 1 lead slip away as UMary rallied for the 6 to 5 victory. Following that game, the Bulldogs would erupt for…

UMD Softball Shuts Out Augustana to Secure Spot in NSIC Tournament Title Game

The Bulldogs advance to the title game on Saturday and will either play St. Cloud State or Augustana. First pitch is at noon.

ROCHESTER, Minn.- The UMD softball team earned redemption on Friday, shutting out Augustana 4-0 at the NSIC tournament. The Vikings would previously defeat the Bulldogs on the final day of the regular season to secure the regular season title. UMD was led by Lauren Dixon, who pitched 7 shutout innings and only allowed one hit. Offensively, Corrie Weise had three…

UWS Baseball Opens Final Regular Season Series with Split Against Crown College

The two teams will meet again on Saturday for a single game. First pitch is at noon.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS baseball team opened up their final series of the regular season on Friday, splitting with Crown College. In game one, the Yellowjackets would have control for the whole contest, eventually putting the game away with two runs in the 5th. Game two was a much closer contest as the game was tied at 3 going into…

Former Lightning Forward Claire Vekich Transfers to Minnesota State

Vekich is coming off a successful campaign in which she led Bemidji State with seven goals.

MANKATO, Minn.- After entering the transfer portal in March, former Grand Rapids-Greenway hockey standout Claire Vekich has found her new home. Vekich will suit up for Minnesota State next season. The former Lightning forward is coming off a successful campaign in which she led Bemidji State with seven goals. She has two more years of eligibility with the Mavericks. Categories:…

DECC Inducts Five Members Into 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame Class

The five newly inducted members were gifted a plaque and will have their picture put on the wall at AMSOIL arena.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a special night at the DECC as they honored their 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame Class. This year’s inductees include former Arkansas baseball coach and Ashland native Norm DeBriyn, former Bulldog hockey player and coach Pat Francisco, Duluth East graduate and Grandma’s Half Marathon winner Kara Goucher, Grandma’s marathon co-founder Scott Keenan, and lastly former UMD…

UWS Tennis Earns Multiple End of the Year UMAC Awards

Andreina Tejada and Igor Guetten Chaves would be named the UMAC Player of the Year and UMAC Rookie of the Year.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some end of the year honors for members of the UWS tennis teams. On the women’s side, Andreina Tejada was named UMAC player of the year as well as UMAC rookie of the year. Tejada finished with 12 wins on the year. Over on the men’s side, Igor Guetten Chaves also claimed the player of the year and…

Former Bulldogs Samberg & Perunovich Named to U.S. National Team

The Hermantown and Hibbing native will compete in the 2023 IIHF Men's World Championship from May 12th to May 28th in Finland and Latvia.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of former Bulldogs will don the red, white, and blue in the coming weeks. Both Dylan Samberg and Scott Perunovich were named to the U.S. National Team this afternoon. The Hermantown and Hibbing native will compete in the 2023 IIHF Men’s World Championship from May 12th to May 28th in Finland and Latvia. The two defenseman…

Prep Softball: Big 3rd Inning Propels Superior Past Cloquet as Spartans Improve to 11-0

Superior (11-0) will next host Duluth Marshall on Thursday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Superior softball team improved to 11-0 on the season on Wednesday, defeating Cloquet 18-0. The Spartans would put up 13 runs in the 3rd inning. Superior (11-0) will next host Duluth Marshall on Thursday. Cloquet (5-3) will aim to bounce back at Barnum on May 8th. Categories: High School, Sports

CSS Baseball Battles Back in Game 2 to Force Split with Augsburg

Scholastica (7-24) will close out the regular season at home on Saturday against Hamline.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica baseball team would have to settle for a split on Wednesday with Augsburg. In game one, the Auggies were able to hold off a late rally by the Saints to take game one 5 to 4. Then in game two, CSS would have the lead for much of the game and never give it back…

Dixon Becomes All-Time Strikeout Leader, UMD Shuts Out Minot State at NSIC Tourney

The Bulldogs were led by Lauren Dixon, who tossed seven shutout innings and nine strikeouts.

ROCHESTER, Minn.- The UMD softball team is on to the next round of the NSIC tournament after shutting out Minot State 2-0 on Wednesday. The Bulldogs were led by Lauren Dixon, who tossed seven shutout innings and nine strikeouts. Dixon would also become the all-time strikeout leader at UMD in the contest. UMD will next play Winona State at noon…

Lahti & McDonald Commit to UMD Men’s Basketball Team

Lahti is 2nd all-time in scoring at Northwestern. McDonald is 1st at Hibbing.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of local products will be suiting up for UMD next season. On Monday, Northwestern guard Cole Lahti announced his commitment to the Bulldogs. Lahti averaged 22 points per game last season for the Tigers. He finished 2nd on the all-time school scoring list and set the single season scoring record. Joining Lahti is former Hibbing standout…

Girls Lacrosse: Grand Rapids/Greenway Knocks Off Proctor/Hermantown for 4th Win of Season

The Lightning (4-1) will return home next Tuesday for a game against Duluth.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Grand Rapids/Greenway Lightning girls lacrosse team improved to 4-1 on the season on Tuesday, defeating Proctor/Hermantown 17 to 6. The Lightning (4-1) will return home next Tuesday for a game against Duluth. Meanwhile, Proctor/Hermantown (2-3) will look to bounce back at Totino-Grace on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth East Baseball Still in Search of 1st Win as Greyhounds Fall to Bemidji

Duluth East (0-5) will next play at Blaine on Wednesday. First pitch is at 4:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East baseball team would have their first game of the season at Ordean Stadium on Tuesday. Unfortunately, they would fall to Bemidji by a final of 11 to 1. Duluth East (0-5) will next play at Blaine on Wednesday. First pitch is at 4:30 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Puder’s Two-Run Shot Helps UMD Walk-Off Against Crookston to Split in Home Finale

UMD (18-26) will close out the regular season this weekend at UMary in Bismarck.

DULUTH, Minn.- It took ten innings, but ultimately UMD was able to walk-off and defeat Minnesota Crookston 10 to 8 in game one of a doubleheader on Tuesday. Jack Puder would send a two-run shot that went over the center field wall in the bottom of the 10th. Following game one, Crookson would battle back to take a 6 to…

UMD Softball Preps for NSIC Tournament, Dixon Named NSIC Pitcher of the Year

The Bulldogs will either play Concordia-St. Paul, Sioux Falls, or Minot State on Wednesday at 2 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team is making their final preparations before the NSIC tournament begins on Wednesday. UMD doesn’t know who their opponent will be just yet as play-in games are supposed to happen in the morning. The Bulldogs will either play Concordia-St. Paul, Sioux Falls, or Minot State. Whoever is the highest seed remaining of those teams will…

Coaches Corner: Rilee Dawson

In this weeks’ Coaches Corner, we talk with the head coach of the St. Scholastica softball team, Rilee Dawson.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this weeks’ Coaches Corner, we talk with the head coach of the St. Scholastica softball team, Rilee Dawson. St. Scholastica is in their 2nd full year of being in the MIAC conference. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Trio of Bulldogs Hope to Hear Name Called at NFL Draft This Weekend

Offensive lineman Brent Laing, Wide Receiver Armani Carmickle, and Tight End Zach Ojile all could potentially hear their name called.

DULUTH, Minn.- Three former UMD football standouts will be anxiously waiting next to their phones this weekend as the NFL draft takes place in Kansas City, Missouri. Offensive lineman Brent Laing, Wide Receiver Armani Carmickle, and Tight End Zach Ojile all could potentially hear their name called. The trio just partcipated in Minnesota’s pro day a few weeks ago and…

Joshua Strong Departs UMD Men’s Basketball Program to Pursue Law Degree

Strong would start in 14 games for the Bulldogs last year and tally 237 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball will have a key contributor from a year ago departing the program. Guard Joshua Strong made an announcement via his own personal twitter page that he is heading to Howard University to pursue a law degree. Strong would start in 14 games for the Bulldogs last year and tally 237 points. He is the…

UMD Softball Continues Unbeaten Streak at Home with Sweep of Crookston

UMD (34-9) will next host Wayne State in a doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch of game one is set for 1 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team improved to 6-0 at home on Tuesday, taking two games from Minnesota Crookston. In game one, UMD would rally from being down 4-1 in the bottom of 6th to eventually win the contest 6-4. In game two, it was all Bulldogs as they picked up the shut out 6-0. UMD (34-9) will next host…

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…