Author: Neil Vierzba

CSS Hammer Thrower Ella Stritesky Qualifies for NCAA Outdoor Championships

Stritesky recently finished as the runner-up in the hammer throw in the MIAC championships.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica hammer thrower Ella Stritesky will get the chance to compete for a national title later this week. Stritesky qualified for the NCAA D3 Outdoor Track and Field Championships after tallying a throw of 52.45 meters. She recently finished as the runner-up in the hammer throw in the MIAC championships. The nationals begin on May 22nd and…

Eight Former Bulldogs Set to Skate in PWHL Walter Cup Finals

On Tuesday, the Ottawa Charge will host the Minnesota Frost in game one of the Walter Cup Finals.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you like UMD women’s hockey, then you’ll surely like the matchup of the PWHL championship. On Tuesday, the Ottawa Charge will host the Minnesota Frost in game one of the Walter Cup Finals. A whopping eight Bulldogs are set to compete in that game. Ottawa has five former Bulldogs in Ashton Bell, Jocelyn Larocque, Gabbie Hughes, Mannon…

Prep Lacrosse: Stealth Boys Complete Season Sweep of Thunderhawks, Wolfpack Girls’ Win Streak Snapped

Hermantown/Proctor previously topped Grand Rapids/Greenway 8-5 on April 29th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- In a matchup of two top three teams in the Lake Superior conference, Hermantown/Proctor reigned supreme over Grand Rapids/Greenway. The Stealth boys were able to get the best of the Thunderhawks, 12 to 7. With the win, Hermantown/Proctor is now 7-4 on the year and will next face Bloomington Kennedy/Burnsville on Wednesday. As for Grand Rapids/Greenway (6-6), they…

Harbor Monsters Gearing Up to Defend ArenaMania Title in 2nd Season

Duluth set to host Knoxville Bandits on May 24th.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’ll be hard to top their first season as a franchise. But, the Duluth Harbor Monsters are confident they have the pieces in place to repeat as ArenaMania champions. The Harbor Monsters  hit the practice field for the first time on Friday ahead of their exhibition game against the Knoxville Bandits a week from Saturday. Some of the…

Former UWS Head Women’s Basketball Coach Emily Carpenter Takes Same Position with Knox College

The Prairie Fire are a division three school that plays out of the Midwest Conference.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Just a few days after she resigned as the head women’s basketball coach at UWS. We know now where Emily Carpenter is heading. Carpenter has accepted the head coaching position at Knox College. The Prairie Fire are a division three school that plays out of the Midwest Conference. This past season, Carpenter helped guide the Yellowjackets to a…

C-E-C Defenseman Karson Young Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

Just last year Young had a breakout campaign with the Lumberjacks, tallying nine goals and 29 assists.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Another local hockey product will soon don a Bulldog sweater. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton defenseman Karson Young announced his commitment to UMD on Thursday night. Just last year he had a breakout campaign with the Lumberjacks, tallying nine goals and 29 assists. Young also played for the Minnesota Wilderness, in which he skated in 26 games and picked up nine points….

Duluth FC Edges Joy AC in Rainy Home Opener

Duluth FC is next in action on Saturday, when they host the St. Croix Legends at 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC made their return to the pitch on Thursday night, hosting Joy AC in their home opener. After being tied at one at the break, the BlueGreens added two more in the 2nd to take the eventual 3 to 1 victory. Duluth FC is next in action on Saturday, when they host the St. Croix Legends at…

Seven UMD Women’s Hockey Players Declare for PWHL Draft

The draft will take place on June 24th in Ottawa.

DULUTH, Minn.- Seven UMD women’s hockey players are ready to take the next step in their careers. Jenna Lawry, Olivia Mobley, Clara Van Wieren, Olivia Wallin, Hanna Baskin, Nina Jobst-Smith, and lastly Tindra Holm have all declared for the PWHL Draft. A total of 198 players entered into the draft. The draft will take place on June 24th in Ottawa….

Duluth Marshall Guard Chloe Johnson Invited to Team USA U16 Trials

The trials begin on May 21st and the final 12-member roster will be announced on May 26th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall guard Chloe Johnson will get the chance to compete for a spot on the Team USA under-16 team. Johnson was one of the 52 players invited to the USA Basketball Women’s U16 National Team Trials set to take place in Colorado Springs. The trials begin on May 21st and the final 12-member roster will be announced…

Northern Star: Kale Smith

Smith recently tallied his 100th career point.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-There’s always something special about seeing an athlete reach a century mark. It was no different on May 6th, when Hermantown/Proctor attacker Kale Smith tallied his 100th career point. “I actually still have my first goal ball in my bedroom on my dresser. So I kind of still see that everyday to day and now I have my 100th…

Prep Softball: Superior Handles Hibbing, Esko Rallies Past Denfeld

The Spartans are now 12-4 on the year and will next host Proctor on Thursday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior softball team returned to the win column on Wednesday, defeating Hibbing 13 to 3. The Spartans are now 12-4 on the year and will next host Proctor on Thursday. As for Hibbing (5-9), they are at Esko on Thursday. Speaking of Esko, they rallied past Duluth Denfeld on Wednesday, 10 to 7. Esko has now won…

NFL Schedule Release: Packers to Kick Off 2025 Season at Home Versus Lions

Green Bay has six national games this upcoming season.

GREEN BAY, Wis.- With about four months until kick-off, the NFL released it’s schedule for the upcoming season on Wednesday night. The Green Bay Packers will begin their year with a bang as they’ll play host to the Detroit Lions in Week 1. The following week is a short week for the Green and Gold as they’ll take on the…

Emily Carpenter Resigns as UW-Superior Head Women’s Basketball Coach

In her three total seasons, the Yellowjackets had a record of 45-34 with a 31-11 UMAC mark.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior women’s basketball team will have a new head coach next season. Emily Carpenter has resigned from her position after three seasons. The reason being is that she is pursuing other career opportunities. Her last season was one to remember as UWS went 17-11, won the regular season and conference tournament, and lastly made it to the…

Wolfpack Girls Lacrosse Hands Duluth Marshall First Conference Loss

The Wolfpack are currently 5-0 in conference matchups and are first in the division.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack girls lacrosse team remains unbeaten in Lake Superior Conference play. On Tuesday night, Duluth held off Duluth Marshall 10 to 8 to improve to 7-2 on the year. The Wolfpack are currently 5-0 in conference matchups and are first in the division. They’ll next face Andover on Friday at 6:30 PM. As for the Hilltoppers…

After Almost Two-Month Break, Duluth FC Ready to Jump Into Conference Play

New head coach Thomas Pazo is set to lead Duluth against Joy AC on Thursday, a team that was just two points behind the BlueGreens in the standings last year.

DULUTH, Minn.- We are officially two days away from the start of another Duluth FC NPSL season. The BlueGreens technically already played one game this year as the team took part in the U.S. Open Cup, falling to Forward Madison FC back in March. But now their focus is on their conference foes. New head coach Thomas Pazo is set…

UMD’s Savannah Schley Qualifies for NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 800 Meters

The NCAA championships begin on May 22nd in Pueblo, Colorado.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Savannah Schley will get a chance to compete for a NCAA title. Schley will run in the 800 meter race NCAA D2 Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which begins May 22nd in Pueblo, Colorado. Just recently, she ran the 4th fastest time in the central region and the 22nd fastest time in the NCAA. Schley went on…

UWS Catcher Ellie Macal Named UMAC Softball Player of the Year

Macal posted career-highs in runs, hits, doubles, home runs, RBI's and slugging percentage.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The end of the year UMAC softball honors were announced on Tuesday. UWS catcher Ellie Macal is the Player of the Year after posting career-highs in runs, hits, doubles, home runs, RBI’s and slugging percentage. Her teammate Peyton Bennett is the conference Rookie of the Year. Bennett had a batting average of .421 and a team-leading 28 stolen…

UMD’s Nicole Schmitt Earns D2CCA All-Central Region First Team Honors

She's the 6th Bulldog in program history and first since 2021 to achieve the D2CCA accolade.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD infielder Nicole Schmitt has been named to the D2 Conference Commissioners Association First Team All-Central Region. Schmitt now moves on to the All-American ballot with first team members from the other regions, with those teams to be announced next week. She’s the 6th Bulldog in program history and first since 2021 to achieve the D2CCA accolade. Categories:…

Stealth Boys Lacrosse Adjusting to New Head Coach in 2025 Season

The Stealth are 4-4 on the year and 3rd in the standings with only one conference loss.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown/Proctor boys lacrosse team underwent some change this off-season when longtime assistant coach Steve Lokken took over as the head coach of the program. One thing that hasn’t changed is the team’s play on the turf as Hermantown/Proctor is still in the hunt for the top spot in the Lake Superior conference. The Stealth are 4-4 on…

Proctor Softball Bounces Back with Shutout Win Against Duluth East

The Rails improve to 5-7 on the season and will next host Grand Rapids at 7 PM on Monday.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor softball team returned to the win column on Friday, defeating Duluth East 5-0. The Rails improve to 5-7 on the season and will next host Grand Rapids at 7 PM on Monday. As for Duluth East (5-10), they’ll play at Moose Lake/Willow River on Monday. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Top Play of the Week: 5/9

At number one, Hermantown/Proctor's Kale Smith tallies his 100th career point in a contest against C-E-C.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- This week’s top play comes from on the lacrosse field. At number one, Hermantown/Proctor’s Kale Smith tallies his 100th career point in a contest against C-E-C. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

UW-Superior Softball Falls Short of Three-Peat as UMAC Tournament Champions

UW-Superior finishes the year with a 31-12 overall record.

MANKATO, Minn.- The UW-Superior softball team entered the day with a chance to secure a spot in the UMAC title game. Unfortunately, the Yellowjackets ran into top-seeded Bethany Lutheran, falling to the Vikings 3 to 2 in the semifinals. For a look at the box score, click here. Later on in the day, UWS faced off with Northwestern in a…

Six-Run 8th Inning Not Enough as UMD Baseball Team Gets Eliminated in NSIC Tourney

UMD finishes the season with a 26-27 overall record.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- The UMD baseball team faced an uphill climb on Thursday if they wanted to keep their season alive. The Bulldogs started out the day by defeating Minnesota Crookston 11-5 in a elimination game. For a look at the box score, click here. That victory set up another elimination game with Sioux Falls, which went back and forth….

Wolfpack Boys Lacrosse Secures 6th Win of Season Over Stealth

Duluth is now 5-0 in conference play.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack boys lacrosse team continues to sit at the top of the Lake Superior conference standings. On Thursday, Duluth defeated Hermantown/Proctor 13 to 4 to improve to 5-0 in conference play. The Wolfpack (6-3) will next play at Rosemount on Saturday. As for the Stealth (4-3), they are at Anoka on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

Garley’s Walk-Off Hit Lifts UW-Superior Softball to UMAC Semifinals

The Yellowjackets are vying for their 3rd straight UMAC title.

MANKATO, Minn.- The UW-Superior softball team is one step closer to regaining the UMAC conference tournament title. On Thursday, UWS took on Northwestern in the quarterfinal round of the tournament. After the game was tied at three in the bottom of the 8th, Bella Garley beat out an infield single to score the game-winning run and give Superior the 4…

UWS Women’s Tennis Sees Season End in Opening Round of NCAA Tournament

The Yellowjackets finish the year with a 21-6 overall record.

CHICAGO, IL.- The UW-Superior women’s tennis team saw their magical season come to a close on Thursday. Playing Hope College in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, UWS dropped the doubles point and then were swept in singles action, falling 4-0. For a look at the box score, click here. The Yellowjackets finish the year with a 21-6 overall…

Rock Ridge Boys Tennis Improves to 15-0 on the Season

On Wednesday, the Wolverines defeated Duluth Marshall 5 to 2.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Rock Ridge boys tennis team continues to have a remarkable run. On Wednesday, the Wolverines defeated Duluth Marshall 5 to 2 to improve to 15-0 on the season. Rock Ridge will next host Aitkin on Thursday. As for the Hilltoppers, they will host Hermantown on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Baseball Drops NSIC Tourney Opener to Wayne State

UMD will next face Minnesota Crookston in the elimination bracket.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- The UMD baseball team opened up NSIC tournament play on Wednesday, facing Wayne State in the opening round. After trailing 7-2 heading into the top of the 8th, UMD rallied back to force extras with the game tied at 8. That’s where Taylor Gill ended it as he had the game-winning rbi single in the 10th to…

13 Local Hockey Products Selected in USHL Draft

The first to go in phase one was Hibbing/Chisholm's Cole Swanson.

DULUTH, Minn.- 13 local products heard their name called at the USHL Draft the past two days. The first to go in phase one was Hibbing/Chisholm’s Cole Swanson, who went in the 2nd round to the Waterloo Black Hawks. Swanson was second in scoring for the team. He was one of three Bluejackets to be picked. On Day 2, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s…

Kale Smith Tallies 100th Career Point as Stealth Boys Lacrosse Tops C-E-C

Number 100 happened on a goal by Smith with 1:44 to go in the 1st quarter.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- All eyes were on Stealth senior Kale Smith on Tuesday night as Hermantown/Proctor hosted Cloquet-Esko-Carlton in boys lacrosse. Smith needed four points to reach 100 for his career. He wasted no time in getting there, tallying all four in the first quarter alone. Number 100 happened on a goal by Smith with 1:44 to go in the quarter….

Duluth Marshall Girls Lacrosse Rallies Past Stealth to Improve to 4-1

Sarah Stauber had the game-winning goal in the extra period.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls lacrosse team didn’t let any deficits phase them on Tuesday afternoon. The Hilltoppers came back multiple times against the Stealth, eventually earning the 9 to 8 victory in overtime. Sarah Stauber had the game-winning goal in the extra period. Duluth Marshall improves to 4-1 and will next play at Gentry Academy on Thursday. As…

UMD Infielder Joey Flom Named NSIC Freshman of the Year

Flom is the first Bulldog to win the award since 2013, when Alex Wojciechowski claimed the award.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD freshman infielder Joey Flom has been named the NSIC Freshman of the Year. Flom is the first Bulldog to win the award since 2013, when Alex Wojciechowski claimed the award. This season, Flom currently has a .373 batting average. He also clubbed 10 doubles, one triple, and three lead-off home runs. His teammates Nathan Rosenberg and Troy…

UW-Superior Softball Eyeing Third Straight UMAC Tournament Title

First pitch between the Yellowjackets and the Eagles is at 2 p.m on Thursday in Mankato.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS softball team had a dominant 2025 campaign, ending regular season play at 30-and-10. But the Yellowjackets aren’t done yet, as UWS enters the UMAC postseason tournament later this week. The Yellowjackets are in search of their third consecutive UMAC title. UWS earned the second seed in the tournament, finishing behind Bethany Lutheran, who handed UWS two…

UW-Superior Men’s & Women’s Tennis Well Represented in End of Year UMAC Honors

A total of 16 players combined landed on the conference teams.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- End of the year UMAC honors were announced on Tuesday for men’s and women’s tennis. UW-Superior’s Igor Guetten Chaves is the Men’s Tennis Player of the Year. It’s the 2nd time in his career he’s earned the honor. The men’s and women’s coach, CeeJay Schaffner is named the Coach of the Year for both men and women. A…

Rock Ridge Baseball Spoils Home Opener for Duluth East

Monday's meeting was the first home game at Greyhound Ballpark for Duluth East.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Rock Ridge baseball team snapped a five-game losing skid on Monday, defeating Duluth East 3-0. Monday’s meeting was the first home game at Greyhound Ballpark for Duluth East. Rock Ridge improves to 5-7 and will next play at Cherry on Wednesday. Duluth East (3-11) continues their homestand on Wednesday, hosting Hibbing. Categories: High School, Sports

Kade Peloquin Becomes First Bulldog Baseball Player to Earn Conference Honors in 2025

Peloquin and the Bulldogs will next be in action on Wednesday, facing Wayne State in the opening round of the NSIC tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- A UMD Bulldog baseball player has finally earned a conference honor this season. Outfielder Kade Peloquin is the NSIC Player of the Week after tallying a .450 batting average with five total runs, 10 runs batted in, and four home runs. Peloquin also had the game-winning two-run home run in UMD’s last game at UMary. He and the…

Rich Wendt Resigns as Duluth East Head Girls Basketball Coach

Windt has led the Greyhounds for the past six seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East girls basketball team will have a new head coach next season. On Sunday night, Rich Windt announced on the team’s Facebook page that he is resigning as head coach. Windt has led the Greyhounds for the past six seasons, which included a 13 and 14 record in the 2024-2025 season. Categories: High School, Sports

UW-Superior Women’s Tennis Draws Hope in Team’s First-Ever National Tournament

UWS' match with Hope takes place Thursday on the campus of the University of Chicago.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior women’s tennis team achieved history over the weekend, winning their first-ever UMAC conference title and advancing to their first NCAA tournament. On Monday, it was the selection show as the Yellowjackets found out where they’re headed. UWS is Windy City bound as they’ll match up with Hope in the first round, a team they have yet…

Duluth Curlers Thiesse & Dropkin Earn Berth at 2026 Olympics

It will be the first mixed doubles appearance for both curlers.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth duo is heading to the Olympics next year. Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin finished 5th at the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship over the weekend to earn a berth for team USA in the 2026 games. For Thiesse, this is her 2nd Olympics appearance as she previously competed in the 2022 games in Women’s Play. As…

Jake Schelonka Becomes All-Time Hits Leader at St. Scholastica

Schelonka passes Chris LePine, who had 245 hits during his reign at CSS.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica utilityman Jake Schelonka wrapped up his Saints career as the team’s all-time hits leader. Schelonka had three hits total in a doubleheader against St. John’s on Saturday to reach 248 career hits. He passes Chris LePine, who had 245 hits during his reign at CSS. Schelonka and the Saints went 22-18 this past season, falling short…

UMD Baseball Splits with UMary to Open Final Series of Season

The Bulldogs wrap up their season on Saturday.

BISMARCK, N.D.- The UMD baseball team began their final series of the season on Friday, facing UMary in a doubleheader. The Marauders walked it off with a grand slam to take game one 4 to 0. Then, UMD bounced back in game two in a big way, winning 12 to 0. For a look at the box scores, click here….

Top Plays of the Week: 5/2

At number one, Hermantown/Proctor's Kale Smith makes it look easy as he goes behind his back and head for the goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from on the diamond and on the lacrosse field. At number two, Rock Ridge pitcher Blake Bailey lays out to make the diving catch on a pop up bunt. At number one, Hermantown/Proctor’s Kale Smith makes it look easy as he goes behind his back and head for the goal. Categories: Friday Night…

Bethany Lutheran Blanks UWS Softball to Draw Even in UMAC Standings

The two teams will meet again on Saturday in a doubleheader.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The chase for the top seed in the upcoming UMAC softball tournament heated up on Friday. UW-Superior, who’s 1st in the standings, opened up a three-game set with the current 2nd seeded Bethany Lutheran Vikings. The Vikings went on to blank the Yellowjackets 2-0 to draw even in the standings. For a look at the box score, click…

Duluth Marshall Girls Lacrosse Handles Superior for 2nd Straight Victory

The Hilltoppers have scored 35 goals in their last two games.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Duluth Marshall girls lacrosse team continues to find the back of the net. After a 20 goal performance on Tuesday, the Hilltoppers put up another 15 in a 15 to 1 win over Superior on Thursday. Sarah Stauber led the team with four goals and one assist. Duluth Marshall (3-1) will next host Hermantown/Proctor on May 6th….

Matthew Perkins Joins Northeastern, Ending Two-Year Stint with UMD

Perkins tallied 20 points total in his Bulldog career, 5 of which happened just this past season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The final former Bulldog in the transfer portal has found his new home. Matthew Perkins officially joined Northeastern Thursday, ending a two-year stint in Duluth. He tallied 20 points total in his Bulldog career, 5 of which happened just this past season. Perkins is a 2023 fourth round draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks Categories: College, Sports, University…

Port Wing Native & Aces Center Megan Gustafson Sidelined Indefinitely with Lower Left Leg Injury

Last year, Gustafson averaged almost four points per game.

PORT WING, Wis.- The start to Megan Gustafson’s 7th WNBA season has hit a road block. On Thursday, the Las Vegas Aces announced that Gustafson will be sidelined indefinitely after she suffered a lower left leg injury in practice. Last year, the Port Wing native averaged almost four points per game. She also shot 50 percent from the field in…

Duluth’s Gianna Kneepkens to Continue Basketball Career at UCLA

Kneepkens picked the Bruins over South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Duluth Marshall guard Gianna Kneepkens has circled in on her next team. According to Alexa Philippou of ESPN, Kneepkens will be joining UCLA next season. Kneepkens picked the Bruins over South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas. She was the leading scorer for the Utah Utes this past season. She averaged 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists per…

Northern Star: Melania Luostari

Luostari is set to play for Auburn next year.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Former Athletics GM Billy Beane once said “You get on base, we win. You don’t, we lose.” Superior senior infielder Melania Luostari has done a lot of hitting in her four years. Which of course, leads to plenty of victories. “Softball is a large part of my life, but it’s not everything. When I don’t go 3 for…

St. Scholastica Baseball Completes Season Sweep of UW-Superior

CSS closes out the regular season on Saturday against St. John's.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UW-Superior and St. Scholastica baseball teams met up for the 2nd time in a week on Wednesday. Like the previous result, the Saints took bragging rights 11 to 1 to complete the season sweep. St. Scholastica improves to 21-17 and will host St. John’s on Saturday. UW-Superior (18-18) is at Bethany Lutheran on Friday. Categories: College, Sports

Stealth Boys Lacrosse Best Superior in Battle of Two-Win Teams

The Stealth are now 3-2 on the season and will next host Cloquet-Esko-Carlton on May 6th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Hermantown/Proctor boys lacrosse team picked up their 3rd win of the season on Wednesday, defeating Superior 13 to 7. The Stealth are now 3-2 on the season and will next host Cloquet-Esko-Carlton on May 6th. As for Superior (2-4), they are at Sauk Prairie on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports