Author: Neil Vierzba

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…

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…