Author: Neil Vierzba

Esko Baseball Blanks Rock Ridge to Extend Win Streak to Seven Games

Esko has outscored their last seven opponents 72 to 2.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko baseball team continued their impressive run on Wednesday, shutting out Rock Ridge 4 to 0. It’s the 7th straight victory for Esko, who has outscored their last seven opponents 72 to 2. Esko improves to 9-1 and will next host Carlton/Wrenshall on Thursday. As for Rock Ridge (4-5), they return home Thursday to play Superior. Categories:…

UW-Superior Softball Stays Unbeaten at Home with Sweep of CSS

UWS closes out the regular season this weekend against Bethany Lutheran.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior softball team continued their winning ways at home on Tuesday afternoon. Playing old UMAC foe St. Scholastica in a doubleheader, the Yellowjackets were able to get the best of the Saints, winning both games 2-0 and 5 to 1. With the two victories, UWS improves to 8-0 at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. They’ll look to…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Two Players Via the Transfer Portal

The team also announced the official addition of Cornell's Ashley Messier.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team added two veteran players to their roster on Tuesday. Mercyhurst’s Thea Johansson and Minnesota’s Krista Parkkonen will suit up for the Bulldogs next year. Johansson tallied 94 points for the Lakers over the course of three seasons. Parkkonen had five points last year for the Golden Gophers. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota…

Zach Sandy to Continue Hockey Career at University of North Dakota

Sandy has been the 3rd string goaltender for UMD the past three seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former Bulldog has found his next team. Goaltender Zach Sandy will stay in the NCHC and suit up for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks next fall. Sandy has been the 3rd string goaltender for UMD the past three seasons. He saw four games of action this past season, which was the most in his career. Matthew Perkins…

Superior Softball Shakes Off Early Season Woes

The Spartans are back at home on Thursday, May 1st against Duluth Marshall.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s been a rarity for the Superior softball team to lose three games in a row. You have to look back to the 2016 season when that last happened. But, earlier this year when they faced tough competition on both sides of the border, it happened to them again. No time to panic though as they were recently…

Former Bulldogs Knapp & Bettens Find New Teams

Matthew Perkins and Zach Sandy remain in the portal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two former members of the UMD men’s hockey team have found their next homes. Goaltender Klayton Knapp will suit up for Michigan Tech next season. Knapp played in 16 games and had a saves percentage of nearly 91 percent. In other portal news, forward Kyle Bettens will continue his career with Northern Michigan. Bettens posted 12 goals and…

St. Scholastica’s Schelonka & Forrest Earn MIAC Weekly Honors

Schelonka hit for the cycle in a win against UW-Superior.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica baseball has swept the weekly MIAC conference honors. Jake Schelonka is the Player of the Week after going 8 for 18 at the plate last week. That also included hitting for the cycle in a win against UW-Superior. His teammate, Matt Forrest is the MIAC Pitcher of the Week. Forrest tossed a complete-game one hitter on…

UMD Men’s Hockey Releases Schedule for Upcoming 2025-2026 Season

It all starts on October 3rd when the Bulldogs head to Alaska Fairbanks for a two-game series.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team released their schedule for the 2025-2026 season on Monday. It all starts on October 3rd when the Bulldogs head to Alaska Fairbanks for a two-game series. A week later, UMD returns home to face Augustana for the first time in their home opener. Another notable matchup includes a home contest against Lindenwood on…

Duluth, Amsoil Arena Set to be a Preliminary Host for 2026 World Juniors

Rochester, Mankato, and Bemidji have also been announced as pre-tournament host cities.

DULUTH, Minn.- The home of the Bulldogs will soon be the home for 2 to 3 World Junior teams. Matt Wellens of the Duluth News Tribune confirmed Monday that Amsoil Arena and Duluth will be a preliminary site for the 2026 World Juniors. Teams will practice and play pre-tournament games from December 14th through December 25th. They then will head…

Northland Baseball Holds Final Home Game in Program History

The Lumberjacks final game as a program is on Saturday.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Saturday marked the end of an era for the Northland College baseball team as they held their final home game. Playing two against UMAC foe, North Central. The Lumberjacks played the Rams close in game two, even putting up five runs in the bottom of the 9th. But, they ultimately fell short, 12 to 11. The Lumberjacks still…

UW-Superior’s Rally Falls Short in Game One Loss to Northwestern

UWS falls to 15-17 and will once again host Northwestern on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The woes continued for the UW-Superior baseball team on Friday as they dropped their 5th straight game to Northwestern. The Yellowjackets had runners at 2nd and 3rd in the bottom of the 10th, but they stayed there as the Eagles escaped with a 4 to 3 win. UWS falls to 15-17 and will once again host Northwestern on…

Top Plays of the Week: 4/25

At number one, UW-Superior's Wylee Lottman covers a lot of ground and then lays out to make the nice diving grab.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both of this week’s top plays come from on the diamond. At number two, Superior’s Jayce Rue skies up to snag a liner and then fires to first to complete the double play. At number one, UW-Superior’s Wylee Lottman covers a lot of ground and then lays out to make the nice diving grab. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

Mally Lumsden to Serve as Assistant Coach for Superior City FC Women’s Team

Lumdsden will serve under new head coach Cole Gewerth.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A former St. Scholastica soccer standout has joined the Superior City FC women’s coaching staff. Mally Lumsden is the new assistant coach for the Beacons. He played two seasons at CSS, tallying 14 goals in 38 games. Lumsden also recently suited up for the Superior City and Superior Wolfpack men’s squads. He will serve under new head coach…

Former Purdue & Colts TE Justin Sinz Named New St. Scholastica Offensive Coordinator

Sinz most recently was the Tight Ends coach at his alma mater.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica football team has a new offensive coordinator and he has quite the resume. On Friday, the school announced that Justin Sinz will lead the Saints offense next fall. He’s a former team captain and Mackey Award semifinalist while playing at Purdue. He also had a stint in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. Sinz most…

Former Hilltopper Danica Mark to Continue Hockey Career at Delaware

The Blue Hens will be entering their first year as a Division one program.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Duluth Marshall Hilltopper has found her next hockey home. Danica Mark has transferred to Delaware after spending the last two seasons at Union College. The Blue Hens will be entering their first year as a program. Mark had three points in nine games last year. She last suited up for Duluth Marshall in the 2022-2023 season….

UW-Superior Women’s Lacrosse to Join WIAC Conference When They Begin Play in 2027

The WIAC is currently in it's fourth year sponsoring women's lacrosse.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Back on March 5th, UW-Superior announced that they were adding women’s lacrosse as a varsity sport. Fast forward to Friday, and they have their new conference. UWS will join the WIAC, who’s currently in their 4th season sponsoring the varsity sport. The Yellowjackets will be the 11th team in the conference and will begin play in 2027. Categories:…

Prep Softball: Duluth East Earns 2nd Straight Win, Proctor Picks Up 1st Victory

The Greyhounds had just five wins total last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East softball team continues to inch closer to tying their win mark from a year ago. On Thursday, the Greyhounds picked up their 3rd win of the season, holding off Esko 4 to 3. Duluth East (3-3) is next in action at Coon Rapids on Friday. As for Esko (4-4), they’ll be at Hermantown on Friday….

Prep Lacrosse: Wolfpack Girls Hand Stealth First Loss, Wolfpack Boys Drop Close Contest to Chisago Lakes

Duluth improves to 4-2 and will next play at Eastview/Eagan on May 2nd.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack girls extended their win streak to three games on Wednesday, defeating Hermantown/Proctor 11-5. Duluth improves to 4-2 and will next play at Eastview/Eagan on May 2nd. The Stealth fall to 2-1 and host Bloomington Kennedy/Burnsville on Friday. In other lacrosse action, the Wolfpack boys fell to Chisago Lakes 11 to 10. Duluth is set to…

Schelonka’s Homer Lifts CSS Baseball Past UWS in High-Scoring Affair

It came down to the bat of Jake Schelonka as he sent a two-run shot over the wall in left to give CSS the 16 to 15 walk-off win.

DULUTH, Minn.- There was plenty of hits and plenty of runs when the UW-Superior and St. Scholastica baseball teams met up on Wednesday. A total of 33 hits and 31 runs combined between the two squads. It came down to the bat of Jake Schelonka as he sent a two-run shot over the wall in left to give CSS the…

St. Scholastica Names Former Bulldog Sydney Brodt as New Head Women’s Hockey Coach

Brodt skated for UMD from 2016 to 2020.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog will soon be a Saint. On Wednesday, the College of St. Scholastica announced that Sydney Brodt has been named as the new head women’s hockey coach. Brodt skated for UMD from 2016 to 2020, where three of those seasons she was the captain of the team. After her days with the Dogs, she went on…

Prep Lacrosse: Duluth Girls & Superior Boys Earn Victories on Home Turf

Duluth (3-2) will next host Hermantown/Proctor on Thursday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack girls lacrosse team continued their winning ways on Tuesday night. The team scored early and often to take down Superior 14 to 1 for their 3rd win of the season. Duluth (3-2) will next host Hermantown/Proctor on Thursday night. As for Superior, they’ll try to bounce back against Grand Rapids/Greenway also on Thursday. In boys…

CSS Baseball Gets Over .500 Mark Thanks to Sweep of Former UMAC Foe North Central

St. Scholastica (16-15) returns home on Wednesday to face UW-Superior.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica baseball team was able to get over the .500 mark on Tuesday. Playing former UMAC foe North Central, the Saints went on to take both games, 14 to 2 and 14 to 2. For a look at the box scores, click here. St. Scholastica (16-15) returns home on Wednesday to face UW-Superior. First pitch is…

St. Scholastica Names Jared Drake as New Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Drake comes from the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, where he served as the assistant coach for two seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team has a new head coach. On Tuesday, the college announced that Jared Drake will lead the Saints beginning next season. He comes from the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, where he served as the assistant coach for two seasons. Drake played his college ball at Robert Morris and Southern University and later went…

UMD Men’s Hockey Adds Defenseman Brady Cleveland to Roster

In 37 games last season, Cleveland had one goal and two assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team made another addition to their roster over the weekend. Former Colorado College & Wisconsin defenseman Brady Cleveland is a now a member of the Bulldogs. In 37 games last season, Cleveland had one goal and two assists. He’s also a 2023 2nd round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings. Cleveland is set…

UMD Baseball Begins Series with Minot State By Taking Two Games

UMD will once again host Minot State for a doubleheader on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD baseball team continues to inch closer to the .500 mark. On Friday, the Bulldogs took the first two games of their four-game series with Minot State. Gabe Richardson went three for four and had four runs batted in to lead UMD to a 9-2 game one win. Then in game two, Garrett Stauffacher had five runs…

UWS Women’s Tennis Ties Win Total From Last Year in Victory Versus Northwestern

UWS improves to 16-5 and will next play at UW-Stout on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior women’s tennis team continues to have a strong season. On Friday, the Yellowjackets swept Northwestern 7-0 on their home court. For a look at the box score, click here. UWS improves to 16-5 and will next play at UW-Stout on Saturday. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Top Play of the Week: 4/18

At number one, St. Scholastica's Sami Ernst flashes the leather out in center to prevent a St. Catherine Wildcat from scoring.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes from on the softball diamond. At number one, St. Scholastica’s Sami Ernst flashes the leather out in center to prevent a St. Catherine Wildcat from scoring. CSS went on to win the game 3-2. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

UMD Softball Salutes Seniors & Sweeps Northern State

UMD will host Minnesota State-Moorhead on Saturday in their final home series of the regular season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team sent out their seniors in style on Friday, sweeping NSIC foe Northern State in a doubleheader. After trailing 3-2 in the 6th inning of game one, UMD put up four unanswered runs to go on to win 6 to 3. Then in game two, it was all Bulldogs as they once again came away…

UMD Football Announces Four Captains for Upcoming Season

Walljasper is the only mainstay captain from last year as he shared that duty with five others.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team has announced their four captains for this upcoming season. They are quarterback Kyle Walljasper, wide receiver Dashaun Ames, defensive lineman Matt Weerts, and lastly defensive back Alex Sylvester. Walljasper is the only mainstay captain from last year as he shared that duty with five others. The four players will lead UMD into its 92nd…

Former Huskies Pitcher Logan VanWey Makes MLB Debut with Houston Astros

VanWey played for the Huskies in the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

HOUSTON, Texas.- It’s been a memorable week for former Duluth Huskies pitcher Logan VanWey. The right hander made his major league debut back on April 11th for the Houston Astros. He proceeded to throw two shutout innings against the Angels, striking out one batter and not allowing a hit. VanWey has since appeared in two games for H-Town and currently…

St. Scholastica Softball Picks Up First MIAC Sweep of Season Against St. Catherine

St. Scholastica (9-19) will next play at Gustavus Adolphus on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica softball team hosted their first home games against St. Catherine on Kenwood Field on Thursday. The Saints began the day with a 3 to 1 victory over the Wildcats. Then in game two, after trailing by two heading into the bottom of the 7th, CSS scored three unanswered to earn the walk-off win, 3 to…

Alex Iafallo Re-Ups with Winnipeg Jets on Three-Year Contract Extension

Iafallo last suited up for UMD back in the 2016-2017 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Neal Pionk wasn’t the only former Bulldog to re-up with the Jets this week. On Wednesday, forward Alex Iafallo and Winnipeg agreed to a three-year, 11 million dollar contract extension. So far this season, Iafallo has registered 31 points, 15 of which were goals and 16 were assists. He’s also spent time with the Los Angeles Kings during…

Former Mirage Standout Hailey Jussila Enters Transfer Portal

Jussila was last with the Mirage in the 2023-2024 season and tallied a total of 48 points in her Proctor/Hermantown career.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A former Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey standout is on the search for her next team. Hailey Jussila is in the transfer portal after spending last season with Quinnipiac. The Hermantown native didn’t skate in a game for the Bobcats in her lone year with the team. She was last with the Mirage in the 2023-2024 season and tallied a…

Neal Pionk & Winnipeg Jets Agree to Six-Year Contract Extension

So far this season, Pionk's tallied 39 points in 69 games.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown native Neal Pionk has made the most of his opportunity in the NHL. He’s currently in his 7th season as a pro and with the current deal he just signed, there’s plenty more of hockey in his future. On Thursday, Pionk and the Winnipeg Jets agreed on a six-year, 42 million dollar contract extension. So far this…

Northern Star: Aiden Williams

Williams is looking to become the first Bulldog drafted since 1990.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD offensive lineman Aiden Williams has dreamed of this moment his whole life. No, it wasn’t when he scored a touchdown this past September against Southwest Minnesota State. It’s the upcoming NFL Draft in Green Bay. “Just kind of looking forward to what’s next. I’ve just been working out and lifting every day, doing drills, stuff like that,…

Grand Rapids Native Taryn Hamling Signs with Minot State Women’s Basketball

Hamling spent the last two seasons at NDSU.

MINOT, N.D.- Grand Rapids native Taryn Hamling has found her next team. Hamling signed with Minot State on Wednesday after spending the last two seasons at NDSU. The guard only played in one season for the Bison, electing to redshirt this past year. In 30 games of action, Hamling averaged almost three points per game. Categories: College, Sports

Hermantown Baseball Celebrates Opening of Fichtner Field with Shutout of Denfeld

The Hawks were led by River Freeman, who went all seven innings on the mound and only gave up a hit.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown baseball team held their first game at the newly renovated Fichtner Field on Wednesday. Quite the celebration as they came away with a four to nothing shutout victory against Duluth Denfeld. The Hawks were led by River Freeman, who went all seven innings on the mound and only gave up a hit. Jacob Evanson went two…

Duluth Marshall Baseball Survives Scare from Esko in 7AA Title Game Rematch

Duluth Marshall improves to 2-0 and will next host Aitkin on April 23rd.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Section 7AA championship rematch didn’t disappoint as the Esko and Duluth Marshall baseball teams met up for the first time in 2025 on Wednesday. After holding a 3-0 lead heading into the top of the 7th, the Hilltoppers gave up a two-run triple to Jackson Peterson, making it a one-run contest. That was the only blemish Owen…

UMD Baseball Bounces Back in Game Two to Earn Split with SCSU

UMD was led by Ryan Wattermann as he went seven innings and struck out seven.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UMD baseball team held their first game in the Twin Ports on Wednesday, facing St. Cloud State for two games in Superior. After dropping game one 4 to 3, the Bulldogs battled back in game two with the 11 to 1 victory. UMD was led by Ryan Wattermann as he went seven innings and struck out seven….

Four-Run 5th in Game One Helps CSS Baseball Split with Saint Mary’s

Payton Jeffries went six innings and struck out five to earn the win on the mound.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica baseball team hosted Saint Mary’s in a MIAC conference doubleheader on Tuesday. After trailing 1-0 through the first four innings of game one, the Saints put up a four spot in the bottom of the 5th and never looked back, winning the first contest 4-1. Payton Jeffries went six innings and struck out five to…

Superior Boys Lacrosse Holds Off Duluth Marshall for First Win of Season

Superior improves to 1-1 and will next play at Duluth on Thursday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After a nearly three week break since their last game, the Superior boys lacrosse team hosted Duluth Marshall on Tuesday night. The two teams exchanged the lead multiple times throughout the contest, with the Spartans eventually distancing themselves, winning 11 to 9. Superior improves to 1-1 and will next play at Duluth on Thursday. As for Duluth Marshall…

UMD Continues to Add to Roster, Receives Commitment From Luke Bibby

Just last year, Bibby tallied 23 goals and 20 assists in 56 games.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team continues to make additions to their roster. On Tuesday, they received a commitment from Brooks Bandits forward Luke Bibby. The Bandits play out of the BCHL conference. Just last year, Bibby tallied 23 goals and 20 assists in 56 games, while splitting time with the Bandits and the Vernon Vipers. Bibby also won…

UMD Adds Ex-Miami Goaltender Ethan Dahlmeir to Roster

Dahlmeir started 13 games for Miami, posting a .870 saves percentage and a 4.04 goals against average.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team has added another goaltender to their roster. Miami’s Ethan Dahlmeir transferred to UMD on Monday morning after spending the last season with the RedHawks. He started 13 games for Miami, posting a .870 saves percentage and a 4.04 goals against average. Dahlmeir is set to fill the void left by Klayton Knapp. Categories:…

Harbor Monsters Add Two New Offensive Coordinators, Re-Sign QB Johnson

The Harbor Monsters first preseason game is on Saturday, May 24th against the Knoxville Bandits.

DULUTH, Minn.- After suspending and then parting ways with Kevin Gregory, the Duluth Harbor Monsters have named two offensive coordinators for this upcoming season. Dominick Hobdy is set to serve as the lead offensive coordinator and Dan Renfroe will serve under him as an offensive coordinator. Hobdy has played professionally indoors for the last 13 seasons. As for Renfroe, he’s…

Former UMD Defenseman Will Francis Makes AHL Debut with San Diego Gulls

Francis wrapped up his Bulldog career over a month ago and just a week after the season, he signed with the Gulls.

SAN DIEGO, C.A.- The comeback story of former UMD defenseman Will Francis continues to get better and better. On Sunday, the three-time cancer survivor suited up for the San Diego Gulls, making his AHL pro debut in a game against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Francis wrapped up his Bulldog career over a month ago and just a week after the…

Hermantown Native & Avalanche Defenseman Wyatt Aamodt Nets First Career NHL Goal

Aamodt's goal came in the 3rd period of Sunday's 4 to 2 Avalanche win over the Ducks.

ANAHEIM, C.A.- It was a memorable weekend for Hermantown native and current Colorado Avalance defenseman Wyatt Aamodt. Aamodt made his NHL debut on Saturday when the Avs took on the Los Angeles Kings. Then just a day later, he found the scoring column, netting his first career goal in the 3rd period of a 4 to 2 win over the Anaheim…

Aiden Williams Vying to Become First Bulldog Drafted Since 1990

The tackle now turned guard has spent the last couple months training in both Florida and Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- In just 13 days from now, 257 players will hear their name called at the NFL Draft in Green Bay. UMD offensive lineman Aiden Williams is hoping he will be one of those who’s picked. The tackle now turned guard has spent the last couple months training in both Florida and Minnesota. Recently, he took part at the…

Top Play of the Week: 4/11

At number one, UW-Superior's Trey Sybrant puts his body on the line as he lays out to rob a Crown batter of extra bases.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This week’s top play comes from on the diamond. At number one, UW-Superior’s Trey Sybrant puts his body on the line as he lays out to rob a Crown batter of extra bases. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports