Author: Sam Ali

Saints, Yellowjackets Women’s Basketball Set to Open UMAC Play Against Each Other

The St. Scholastica and Wisconsin-Superior women's basketball teams will face off Wednesday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – Both the St. Scholastica and Wisconsin-Superior women’s basketball teams will begin UMAC play on Wednesday. And that game will be against each other. Let’s start with the Saints who need a win in the worst way as they are 0–4 on the young season. But when it comes to this rivalry, it will be added motivation to…

Hilltoppers Hockey Blank Bluejackets in Top-Ranked Girls Showdown

Maren Friday scored twice for the Hilltoppers.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a battle of two of the top teams in the state, Duluth Marshall topped Hibbing/Chisholm 3-0 Monday night. Maren Friday scored twice while Emily Lemker scored once in the win. Duluth Marshall (4-2) will be back at home on Saturday taking on Moose Lake Area. Categories: High School, Sports

Bulldogs Talk Upset Over Huskies, Myer Named NSIC POTW

The UMD men's basketball team are coming off a big upset of 13th ranked St. Cloud State.

DULUTH, Minn. – What a weekend it was for the UMD men’s basketball team. After finishing their non–conference schedule with a 3–1 record, the Bulldogs traveled to St. Cloud State to take on the 13th-ranked Huskies. UMD topped SCSU 91–81 which was the program’s first win over a ranked opponent in nearly three years. It was also UMD’s third win…

Coaches Corner: Lake Superior College Women’s Basketball

This week's segment features the first-year women's basketball program at LSC.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with the Lake Superior College women’s basketball team, including head coach Adam Johnson and players Carly Hansen and Kalley Rustad. The program is in its first year of existence as they get set for their home opener Saturday night against Gogebic Community College. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Prep Boys Hockey: Epic Comeback for Greyhounds; Rails Earn First Win of the Season

The Duluth East and Proctor boys hockey teams got their first wins of the season on Friday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – In prep boys hockey action, Charlie Erickson and Ricky Lyle each scored two goals as the Duluth East hockey team erased an early three-goal deficit to beat White Bear Lake 6-3 Friday night at the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Center. Out in Proctor, Reece Ward, Ben Harnell and Connor Bushbaum each lit the lamp as Proctor got…

Strong Second Period Pushes Bulldogs Past Fighting Hawks

The UMD men's hockey team scored four goals in the second period to top North Dakota 5-0.

DULUTH, Minn. – Kobe Roth scored twice and Hunter Shepard locked down his school-record 10th career shutout as the second-ranked Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team knocked off 14th-ranked North Dakota 5-0 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. Tanner Laderoute, Mikey Anderson and Parker Mackay also score for the Bulldogs, who improve to 10-2-1 on the season. The teams will meet Saturday…

Ice Hawks Men’s Basketball Excited for First-Ever Home Opener

The Lake Superior College men's basketball team will host their first home game on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – “If you build it, they will come.” It’s a famous line from the movie “Field of Dreams”, and it’s also what Lake Superior College thought when they wanted to create a men’s basketball team. And this weekend, history will be made for the Ice Hawks as they will hold their first-ever home opener. It’s been a long…

Prep Girls Basketball: Eskomos, Rails Win Home Openers; Greyhounds Get First Win

The Esko, Proctor and Duluth East girls basketball teams all won at home on Thursday night.

ESKO, Minn. – In prep girls basketball action, Kristy DeMuth scored 15 points as Esko got the win in their home opener 49-43. In Proctor, it was the Rails over Crosby-Ironton 62-40, thanks to 16 points from Sam Pogotchnik. And at Duluth East, the Greyhounds get their first win of the season over Two Harbors 62-34. Eighth grader Ashlynne Guenther…

Prep Boys Basketball: Hunters Help Devney Get First Win, Hawks Spoil Eskomos’ Home Opener

Mike Devney gets his first coaching win as a Hunter in his first game.

DULUTH, Minn. – In prep boys basketball action, Mike Devney gets his first coaching win as a Hunter as Duluth Denfeld opened their season with a win over North Branch 58-42. And as for Devney’s former team, Esko would lose a high-scoring affair to Hermantown 96-78. Connor Bich led the Hawks with 31 points. Trevor Spindler led all scorers with…

Consistency The Key for ‘Jackets Men’s Hockey Team

The Wisconsin-Superior men's hockey team are in the middle of a three-game homestand at Wessman Arena.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – After suffering a five-game losing streak early in the season, the Wisconsin-Superior men’s hockey team have won two of their last three games. But don’t let their record fool you, as UWS has outshot their opponents by a wide margin, leaving a lot of room for improvement in the win column. “We try to stay positive and…

Bulldogs to Face Fighting Hawks in NCHC Playoff Rematch

The last time UMD faced North Dakota, they lost in the NCHC Frozen Faceoff third-place game.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team will be back at Amsoil Friday night taking on longtime rivals North Dakota. Last season, it was the Fighting Hawks that beat the Bulldogs in the NCHC Frozen Faceoff third-place game. So this rivalry will be taken up a notch for this upcoming weekend. “It was a point during our season…

Back to Work for Greyhounds Hockey as Home Opener Looms

The Duluth East boys hockey team will open their season at home Friday night against White Bear Lake.

DULUTH, Minn. – One team that is extra excited to get their season started is the Duluth East boys hockey team, who are looking to right some wrongs from last season. The Greyhounds made it to the Class AA state championship before falling to Minnetonka. And although they lost one of the most talented senior classes in recent memory, the…

‘Jackets Women Win Home Opener, Men Drop Fifth Straight

The Wisconsin-Superior women's basketball team got their fourth win of the season over St. Benedict.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Senior forward Hannah Norlin scored her 1,000th career point as the Wisconsin-Superior women’s basketball got their first home win of the season 77-52 over St. Benedict Wednesday night at the Mertz Mortorelli Gym. Norlin finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds to help the Yellowjackets improve to 4-1. And in the men’s game, UWS fell to UW-Eau…

Saints Hockey Ready to Clash with Fourth-Ranked Bulldogs

The St. Scholastica men's hockey team will face their toughest test this Friday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team are off to a great start with their first-year coach Tim Madsen. After defeating Hamline, the Saints extended their unbeaten streak to five games. And that streak will be put to the test Friday as CSS will face their stiffest test this season taking on fourth-ranked Adrian. The Bulldogs are 8–2…

Hunters Hockey Red Hot to Start the Season

The Denfeld boys hockey team have started the season 2-0 going into their home opener.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth boys hockey team were out of town to open their season and what a weekend it was. The fun started on Friday as they erased a four-goal deficit in the first period to knock off Minnehaha 6–5 in overtime. Then on Saturday, they beat Red Wing 8–2 to complete the weekend sweep and start the…

Coaches Corner: UWS Men’s Basketball

For this week's Coaches Corner, we talk with the UWS men's basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we welcome the Wisconsin-Superior men’s basketball team, including head coach Greg Polkowski, as well as junior guard Mac Reykdal and senior guard Montroy Scott. The team talked about the youth movement on their team and how they’ll use the non-conference schedule to get ready for UMAC play. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy,…

Prep Girls Hockey: Lumberjacks Get Home Win; Mirage, Northern Stars Fall Short

The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls hockey team got the win at home over Princeton.

CLOQUET, Minn. – In girls high school hockey action, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton improved to 4-1 on the season as they topped Princeton Friday night at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena. Dana Jones and Kianna Bender each scored for the Lumberjacks. Out in Proctor, the Mirage got an early goal from Megan Madill, but they fall short in a high-scoring affair against Blake…

Despite Late Rally, Yellowjacket Men Fall to Falcons

The Wisconsin-Superior men's basketball team fell to UW-River Falls 75-55.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Wisconsin-Superior men’s basketball team would rally late, but it wouldn’t be enough as they fall to UW-River Falls 75-55 Wednesday night at the Mertz Mortorelli Gym. That is the Yellowjackets’ fourth straight loss as they fall to 1-4 on the season. They will be back at home next Wednesday to take on UW-Eau Claire. Categories: College,…

Wilderness Blanked at Home by Magicians

After a scoreless first period, the Minnesota Magicians would score two goals to win it 2-0.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Ryan Fanti finished with 24 saves, but he would let two get by him as the Minnesota Wilderness fall to the Minnesota Magicians 2-0 Wednesday night at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena. Andrew Kruse and John Keranen scored the goals for the Magicians. The Wilderness fall to 11-9 as the home and home series now shifts to…

Saints Top Yellowjackets in Men’s Hockey Border Battle

The St. Scholastica men's hockey got a goal in each period as they beat Wisconsin-Superior 3-1.

DULUTH, Minn. – Dustin Cordeiro scored twice as the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team knocked off Wisconsin-Superior 3-1 Tuesday night at Mars Lakeview Arena. Sam Fuss scored the other goal for the Saints, who improve to 3-1-1 on the season. Andrew Durham scored the lone goal for the Yellowjackets, who fall to 2-6-1. Categories: College, Sports

Spartans’ Maddy Stariha Commits to UMD Softball

The Superior pitcher is taking her talents to UMD next fall.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Back in February, Superior softball standout Maddy Stariha made a verbal commitment to Binghamton University in New York. Fast forward to National Signing Day, and she had a change of heart which her friends and family are happy about. Stariha signed her National Letter of Intent to go across the bridge and play softball at UMD next…

Marshall Boys Hockey Coach Brendan Flaherty Declared Cancer Free

Brendan Flaherty had to step away from coaching after being diagnosed with throat cancer.

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a family post on the website CaringBridge.org, Duluth Marshall boys hockey coach Brendan Flaherty has been declared cancer free. Earlier this year, the man known as “The Wolf” was diagnosed with throat cancer and even had to step away from coaching in his battle against the disease. The post says that Coach Flaherty has been…

Duluth Vaxjo Soccer Exchange Looking for Players

The program sends local soccer players to Sweden to learn about the sport and the culture.

DULUTH, Minn. – A special program in Duluth gives local high school soccer players a chance to learn about the sport, as well as the culture of Duluth’s sister city: Vaxjo, Sweden. The Duluth Vaxjo Soccer Exchange currently has openings for local boys and girls who will travel to Sweden for a special soccer tournament, and the following year will…

CEC Swimmer Makayla Suominen Commits to Alaska Fairbanks

Suominen wrapped up a stellar career for the Lumberjacks with two top-4 finishes in the Class A state tournament.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s Makayla Suominen signed her National Letter of Intent Monday to swim for Alaska Fairbanks. Suominen said the recruiting process was hectic at first as she reached out to several different colleges. But when she came back from her visit with the Nanooks, she instantly knew it was the best fit. “It was very different than all…

Prep Girls Hockey: Mirage Stay Unbeaten; Lumberjacks, Northern Stars Fall

Proctor/Hermantown improves to 2-0, while CEC and Duluth each take home losses.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Sydney Skorich and Alyssa Watkins score back-to-back goals in the second period as the Proctor-Hermantown girls hockey team blanked Roseville 2-0 Friday night at the Hermantown Ice Arena. In other action, Benilde-St. Margaret’s had no trouble with the Duluth Northern Stars 8-1. Noelle Stellmaker scored the lone goal for Duluth. And at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena,…

Bulldog Women’s Hockey Fall on the Road to Buckeyes

Ohio State scored three unanswered goals to get the win over UMD.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – After a Jalyn Elmes power play goal in the first, the Ohio State women’s hockey team would score three unanswered goals as they beat UMD 3–1 Friday night at the Schottenstein Center. Maddie Rooney finished with 42 saves for the Bulldogs, who will face the Buckeyes Saturday afternoon at one o’clock to wrap up the series. Categories:…

Washburn Eliminates UMD Volleyball in Second Round Upset

The Ichabods swept the Bulldogs in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

KEARNEY, Neb. – In a result that few people saw coming, third-seed Washburn swept second-seed Minnesota Duluth 3-0 in the second round of the NCAA Division II volleyball tournament on Friday night. Kate Berg led UMD with 10 kills, while Emily Torve chipped in with 38 assists. The Bulldogs end their season with a 28–6 record. Categories: College, Sports, University…

Season Ends in State Semi-Finals for MIB Football

The Rangers were able to score one touchdown late as the Wolverines won 42-8.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – In their first state semi-finals appearance since 1972, the Mountain Iron-Buhl football team battled valiantly, but ultimately fell short, losing to Mountain Lake Area 48-2. Wolverines quarterback Abraham Stoesz finished with 200 total yards and two touchdowns, helping MLA advance to the state finals for the third time in program history. The Rangers got their lone touchdown…

Cromwell-Wright Falls in Nine-Man State Football Semi-Finals

Spring Grove was too much for the Cardinals as they win it 48-12.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – In the nine-man state semi-finals, Spring Grove jumped out to a 28-0 lead and cruised the rest of the way as they knocked Cromwell-Wright 48-12 Thursday morning at U.S. Bank Stadium. Lions quarterback Alex Folz accounted for all seven touchdowns, three rushing and four passing. Cardinals running back Cameroon Cahoon rushed for 130 yards on 19 carries…

Hunters’ Schneeweis Signs NLI for U-Mary

The dynamic Denfeld hitter is taking her talents to the Marauders.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Denfeld outside hitter Caitlin Schneeweis signed her National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at the University of Mary. The Marauders play in Bismarck, North Dakota which is about seven and a half hours away. So while some people look to stay close, Schneeweis was just looking for the best fit, regardless of distance. “I’ve always…

Spartans Celebrate National Signing Day with Three Signings

Caleigh Jensen, Conner Fonger and Erin Walpole will be playing college athletics next fall.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – It was a busy National Signing Day at Superior High School as three student-athletes signed their National Letters of Intent. Caleigh Jensen will be joining the volleyball team at Winona State. Conner Fonger signed his NLI to play baseball at Minnesota State-Crookston. And Erin Walpole won’t be going too far to play college soccer as she signed…

Cardinals Football Looking for First Championship Appearance in Eight Years

The Cromwell-Wright football team will look to make history in the state semi-finals on Thursday.

CROMWELL, Minn. – Thursday morning, the Cromwell-Wright football team will look to punch their ticket to the state championship game for the first time since 2010. And it was also the last time the Cardinals won a state title, so lots of history will be on the line at U.S. Bank Stadium. The only thing standing in their way are…

Trio of Hilltopper Baseball Players Sign NLIs

Ben Pedersen, Peter Hasen and Maddux Baggs will be playing college baseball across the country.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall baseball team had three players sign their National Letters of Intent Wednesday afternoon. Standout pitcher Ben Pedersen is going Division I to the University of Missouri. Pitcher and shortstop Peter Hansen will also go Division I as he signed with Bradley University in Illinois. And infielder Maddux Baggs will be joining the defending Division…

Regular Season Around the Corner for Saints Men’s Basketball

The CSS men's basketball team will take part in the Loras Tournament to open their regular season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team are getting set to open their regular season with the Loras Tournament in Dubuque, Iowa, starting Friday night. The Saints are coming off a rough exhibition loss to UMD, but they say the game plan is to come out with a lot more energy for the season opener. “Coach always talks…

Bulldogs Football Hope Weather Adds to Home Field Advantage

The UMD football team will be taking on Texas A&M-Commerce.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the UMD football team is hoping the weather will play a big factor as they will host their first playoff game since 2014. The Bulldogs will take on the defending national champs Texas A&M-Commerce for the first time ever. The first part of Tuesday’s practice was held inside Romano Gym due to the temperatures outside….

Bulldogs Draw Central Missouri in NCAA Volleyball Tournament

The UMD volleyball team will take on Central Missouri for the first time since 2012.

DULUTH, Minn. – We’ve all known for a while now that the UMD volleyball team would make it to the NCAA tournament. The question has always been: who would they face? And Sunday night, the Bulldogs found out who their opponent will be. UMD nabbed the #2 seed in the Central region and will take on 7th seed Central Missouri….

‘Jackets Men’s Basketball Win Season Opener over Lions

The UWS men's basketball team got a big win over Finlandia 76-63.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Montroy Scott led all scorers with 26 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as the Wisconsin-Superior men’s basketball team won their season opener over Finlandia 76-63 Friday night at the Mertz Mortorelli Gym. Mac Reykdal also chipped in with 23 points, while Andrew McGill scored 12 for the Yellowjackets. UWS will wrap up the Merrill Thompson Tip-Off Classic…

Yellowjackets Hockey Fall at Home to Gusties

The UWS men's hockey team would score three goals, but it wouldn't be enough against Gustavus Adolphus.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In a high-scoring affair at Wessman Arena, the Wisconsin-Superior men’s hockey team fell to Gustavus Adolphus 5-3 Friday night. Chad Lopez, Andrew Durham and Arthur Terchiyez all scored for the Yellowjackets. AJ Smith finished with 28 saves for UWS, who fall to 1-3-1 on the season. The Yellowjackets will be back at home Saturday night as they…

Hawks Fall to Willmar in State Football Quarterfinals

Hermantown had no answers for Willmar as they get shutout 44-0.

MONTICELLO, Minn. – In a game that got ugly early on, Willmar knocked off Hermantown 44-0 Friday night in the Class AAAA state quarterfinals from Monticello High School. The Cardinals jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and would roll from there. Hermantown ends their season with a 9-2 record in the first year under head coach…

Agates Head to Brainerd for State Football Quarterfinals

The Two Harbors football team will face Perham in the Class AAA state quarterfinals.

DULUTH, Minn. – The high school football state tournament kicks off Friday with quarterfinals action throughout the state. But not everyone is playing as Two Harbors gets an extra day of practice. The Agates will be in action Saturday as they take on Perham High School. It will be the first trip to the state tournament in 41 years. But…

Yellowjackets Men’s Basketball Open Season with Merrill Thompson Tip-Off Classic

The Wisconsin-Superior men's basketball team will host the tournament this weekend at the Mortorelli Gym.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Wisconsin-Superior men’s basketball team will open their regular season Friday night with the 9th annual Merril Thompson Tip-off Classic. The tournament will feature three other teams with the ‘Jackets hosting the festivities. And for the players, they are just happy to get the season started. “We finally get to play. It’s been a long time coming….

Season Finale Ahead for Saints Football

The St. Scholastica football team will face Macmurray on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the St. Scholastica football team will be putting a bow on their regular season. They’ll head to Macmurray for the season finale with a chance to finish with a possible share of the regular season conference title. For the seniors, it will be a bittersweet game as they wrap up their college careers. “I had…

Saints Men’s Hockey Set to Host Home Opener This Weekend

The St. Scholastica men's hockey team will take on Concordia (WI) at Mars Lakeview Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team will host their first two home games this weekend. First up is a showdown against Concordia (WI), who were picked to finish one spot behind the Saints in the NCHA Preseason Coaches’ poll. And although the Falcons are winless, they are not a team to be taken lightly. “I saw them…

Yellowjackets Soccer Expecting Better Results for Second Trip to NCAA Tourney

The Wisconsin-Superior men's soccer team will face Augsburg in the opening round.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Wisconsin–Superior men’s soccer team are getting set for their second straight trip to the NCAA tournament. Last season didn’t go as planned, as the ‘Jackets fell to St. Thomas 4–3 in the opening round. But there was a lot to learn from that experience that can be used this weekend to try and come up with…

Carlton Volleyball Falls in State Quarterfinals

The Bulldogs took the second set, but couldn't hold off Ada-Borup.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – In the Class A volleyball state quarterfinals, #4 seed Ada-Borup knocked off #5 seed Carlton 3-1 Thursday afternoon at the Xcel Energy Center. The Bulldogs built a 22-15 lead in the first set, but the Cougars battled back to win 27-25. Carlton looked better in the second, winning that one by the same score. But Ada-Borup…

Saints’ Isaac Boedigheimer Eyeing Trip to Nationals

The Cloquet native missed going to nationals last season by less than one second.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica cross country runner Isaac Boedigheimer will be taking part in the NCAA Division III Central Regional championships. Last year, the Cloquet native and 2018 UMAC individual champion missed qualifying for nationals by less than a second, so the sophomore has a lot to be excited about this time around. The NCAA central regionals will take…

Bulldogs Top Yellowjackets in Women’s Basketball Exhibition

UMD hosted UWS in an exhibition game at Romano Gym.

DULUTH, Minn. – In just their second game of the season, the Minnesota Duluth women’s basketball team defeated Wisconsin-Superior 73-47 in an exhibition game at Romano Gym on Wednesday night. Brooke Olson led the Bulldogs with 18 points. Sarah Grow also chipped in with 14 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks. Hannah Norlin scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds…

Saints’ Morgan Friday Earns UMAC Player and Rookie of the Year Honors

The Duluth native led the conference with 17 goals and was second in points with 35.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica women’s soccer freshman forward Morgan Friday was named UMAC Rookie of the Year, as well as UMAC Player of the Year. The Duluth native led the conference with 17 goals and was second in points with 35. Midfielder Rachel Dixon and defender Lexie DeWall were named to the first team. And on the all-conference second…

‘Jackets Allison DeGroot Named UMAC Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year

Kelli Graham and Madison Gutekunst earned all-conference first team honors for UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The UMAC announced their end of the season awards for women’s soccer and Wisconsin–Superior’s Allison DeGroot was named UMAC Coach of the Year. The second-year coach led the ‘Jackets to a four–win improvement from last season, en route to their first-ever playoff appearance, first-ever playoff win and first-ever UMAC championship appearance. Defender Kelli Graham and goalkeeper Madison…

UMD Men’s Hockey Back to Work After Bye Week

The Bulldogs get set for conference play, which starts this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team are back at practice this week, getting ready for the start of conference play this weekend. The Bulldogs are still the #1 team in the country, which helped keep them at ease with an early-season bye week. “The bye weeks were spread out a little better I think to give us a…