Author: Sam Ali

Torve Credits Teammates for Fourth Straight NSIC Setter of the Week Award

UMD's Emily Torve says she can't put up her stats without her teammates making plays.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD volleyball’s Emily Torve was named NSIC Setter of the Week for the fourth consecutive time, which is believed to be a record within the conference. The junior leads the country in assists per set. But she says it’s impossible to get those numbers without help from her teammates. “It’s a great recognition, but it’s really due…

Greyhounds’ Bachand Named Class AA Boys Soccer Coach of the Year

Corey Bachand led Duluth East to an undefeated season in his first year with the team.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East boys soccer’s Corey Bachand was named Class AA Boys Coach of the Year. In his first year with the team, he led the Greyhounds to an unbeaten season at 14–0–2. Bachand, who was an assistant for the girls team, came in to replace Nick Bremer back in April of this year. Bachand also worked on…

Duluth East’s Mike Randolph Inducted Into MSHSCA Hall of Fame

The longtime Greyhounds boys hockey coach has the third-most wins in state history.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East head boys hockey coach Mike Randolph was inducted into the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Hall of fame this past weekend. He has spent the past 29 seasons with the Greyhounds, racking up 622 wins, third all–time within the state, which includes two state titles. Duluth East is coming off a bitter sweet season…

Prep Volleyball: Bulldogs Extend Win Streak, Eskomos Win on Senior Night

Carlton won their 17th straight match against McGregor, while Esko topped South Ridge at home.

CARLTON, Minn. – In prep volleyball action, Carlton swept McGregor at home 3-0 Monday night. That win extended the Bulldogs win streak to 17 matches. They will wrap up their season Tuesday night at home against Cook County. In other action, Esko played their final match of the season against South Ridge and the Eskomos got the win 3-1. Taiya…

Coaches Corner: Duluth East football

For this week's segment, we sit down with the Duluth East football team

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with the Duluth East football team. On this week’s segment we were joined by head coach Joe Hietala and senior captain Collin Peterson. Among the topics discussed were the Greyhounds solid season so far, as well as the depth of their team on the offensive side of the ball. Categories:…

Bulldogs Hockey Pick Up First Win of the Season Over Huskies

The UMD men's hockey team picked up their first win of the season over Michigan Tech.

HOUGHTON, Mich. – After a subpar opening weekend, the UMD men’s hockey team got their first win of the season over Michigan Tech 2-1 Friday night at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton. Kobe Roth and Parker Mackay scored for the Bulldogs. Hunter Shepard finished with 32 saves on the night. The Bulldogs and Huskies will meet again…

High School Soccer Sectionals Begin Across the Northland

Here are all the highlights and scores from all the high school soccer playoff action Thursday night.

BOYS SECTION 7AA SEMI-FINALS Forest Lake 0 Duluth East 1 BOYS SECTION 7A FIRST ROUND Princeton 0 Duluth Marshall 5 Spectrum 1 Legacy Christian Academy 4 Zimmerman 0 Hermantown 3 Mesabi East 1 North Branch 2 Hibbing 0 Duluth Marshall 10 Proctor 1 Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 0 PACT Charter School 1 Chisago Lakes 4 Two Harbors 0 Grand Rapids 5 GIRLS SECTION…

Bulldogs Volleyball Continue Dominance at Romano Gym

The UMD volleyball team are currently riding a 19-game home winning streak.

DULUTH, Minn. – After losing to St. Cloud State less than a month ago, the UMD volleyball team got their revenge Tuesday night at Romano gym, winning the match in four sets. The Bulldogs have now won 19 straight matches at home and head coach Jim Boos believes a lot of this success is simply from finding their rhythm. “We’re…

Saints Volleyball Snap Four-Game Skid with Sweep Over Lumberjills

The St. Scholastica volleyball team was all business Wednesday night at the Reif Gym.

DULUTH, Minn. – Brooke Schermann recorded a team-high 16 kills as the St. Scholastica volleyball team swept Northland College 3-0 Wednesday night at the Reif Gym. Sofia Rajala finished with six kills, putting her just one away from 100 for her career. The Saints improve to 8-14 on the season, including 6-6 in the UMAC. Next up for CSS is…

Rookies Leading the Way for UMD Women’s Hockey Team

The Bulldogs talented freshman class is showing why they were highly touted coming into the season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team are coming off a mixed bag weekend against the Minnesota Gophers. One of the biggest bright spots has been the play of the talented freshman class. In fact, five Bulldog rookies have posted three points in the first four games. Head coach Maura Crowell says they are happy with what they’ve seen…

Cates Brothers Make Stellar Debuts for UMD Men’s Hockey Team

Jackson and Noah Cates each lit the lamp in the season-opening series against Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD men’s hockey freshmen Jackson and Noah Cates each had stellar debuts this past weekend against the University of Minnesota. During Saturday’s game in St. Paul, Jackson scored twice and Noah scored once, too. The Stillwater, MN natives were expected to contribute early on, so when the game got out of hand, they were determined to take…

Yellowjackets Volleyball Fall in Five Sets

Another long match sees the UWS volleyball team fall to UW-Stout.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In non-conference volleyball action, Wisconsin-Superior played another five-set match, but this time they fall to UW-Stout 3-2 Tuesday night at the Mertz Mortorelli Gym. Taylor Howe and Cami Sletta combined for 25 kills for the Yellowjackets, who have played five sets in four of their past five matches. They’ll look to bounce back Friday afternoon as they…

Prep Volleyball: Hunters, Rails Keep Rolling at Home

Duluth Denfeld swept Duluth East while Proctor knocked off Cloquet 3-1.

DULUTH, Minn. – In prep volleyball action, Duluth Denfeld got the home sweep over rivals Duluth East 3-0 Tuesday night. Senior Caitlin Schneeweis led the Hunters with 15 kills. The Greyhounds were paced by Kirsten Cotter and her nine kills. Denfeld improves to 12-3 on the season with just two matches left on their schedule. Duluth East is still searching…

Bulldogs Volleyball Knock Off Huskies at Home

The UMD volleyball team extend their home win streak to 19 games.

DULUTH, Minn. – It took four sets, but the UMD volleyball team avenged their road loss from a month ago to St. Cloud State with a home win on Tuesday night 3-1. Kate Berg led the Bulldogs with 14 kills. Emily Torve helped the cause with 50 assists as the Bulldogs improve to 17-4 on the season and 10-2 in…

Greyhounds Win Big in First Round of Sectionals

Duluth East blasts Cambridge-Isanti 13-0 at home.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East boys soccer team put on a show on the rain-soaked turf as they defeated Cambridge-Isanti 13-0 Tuesday night in the first round of the Section 7AA tournament. The Greyhounds move on to face Forest Lake Thursday night at home. That match is scheduled for 5 p.m.   Categories: High School, Sports

Mike Devney Named New Head Coach of Hunters Boys Basketball

The former Esko coach will lead the team at the school where he teaches.

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in August, Jeff nace retired after 24 seasons as head coach of the Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team. Lots of names were rumored to take the position, but only one made the most sense. Tuesday Denfeld athletic director Tom Pearson announced that Mike Devney has been named the new boys basketball coach for the Hunters. Devney…

Saints’ Slavin Wins UMAC Women’s Golfer of the Year

CSS's Eric Anderson won Coach of the Year while Hannah Johnson finished the UMAC tourney as the top medalist.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica women’s golf team won their third straight conference title this past weekend and picked up some awards along the way. Junior Kylie Slavin was named UMAC Player of the Year after leading the conference in scoring average while posting seven top-10 finishes this past season. CSS head coach Eric Anderson won his second UMAC…

Yellowjackets Men’s Soccer Knock Off Saints

After finishing in a tie earlier this season, UWS gets a 4-1 win over CSS.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Four different Yellowjackets score as Wisconsin-Superior defeated St. Scholastica 4-1 Monday night at the NBC Spartans Sports Complex in Superior. Blake Perry, Gustavo Barbieri, James Bruce and Miguel Ocampo score for UWS, who are 11-0-1 in their last 12 matches. Darby Henderson scored the lone goal for CSS, who dropped their third straight game. Categories: College, Sports

Saints Men’s Hockey Hold First Practice of Madsen Era

The St. Scholastica men's hockey team held their first practice under their new head coach.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team are welcoming a new era as first-year head coach Tim Madsen will be manning the bench for the Saints this upcoming season. Monday was the first official practice for CSS up at Mars Lakeview Arena. The former Minnesota Wilderness coach says he’s been waiting for this day all summer and the…

UMD Football Climb to No. 6 in AFCA Poll

The Bulldogs are up one spot in the latest national polls.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team keeps on climbing as they are up to number six in the latest American Football Coaches poll. That’s thanks to a solid road win this past Saturday at Augustana. The Bulldogs are now one of only 17 undefeated teams left in all of Division II. And they’ll look to keep it going this…

UMD Men’s Hockey No Longer Number One

After a subpar opening weekend, the Bulldogs fall in the latest USCHO.com poll.

DULUTH, Minn. – After failing to get a win over the weekend, the UMD men’s hockey team are no longer the number one team in the country. This week, the Bulldogs come in at #3 in the latest USCHO.com poll. Ohio State is the new number one, followed by Notre Dame and then UMD. The Gophers jumped to number six…

Coaches Corner: Cloquet Football

For this week's Coaches Corner, we talk with the Cloquet football team.

CLOQUET, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with the Cloquet football team. Lumberjacks head coach Tom Lenarz along with senior Luke Konietzko spoke about their season so far and what they expect from the final few weeks, leading up to the sectional playoffs. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Friday Night Frenzy Highlights and Scores 10/5/18

Cloquet, Duluth East and Northwestern come away with wins.

MN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Duluth East 20 Grand Rapids 16 Cook County 56 Ely 6 Aitkin 20 Esko 15 North Branch 22 Duluth Denfeld 16 South Ridge 38 North Woods 18 Hermantown 39 Hibbing 8 Cloquet 41 Proctor 7 WI HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Superior 16 River Falls 40 Northwestern 56 Ladysmith 22   Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Girls Soccer: Lumberjacks Close Season With Win, Hunters Victorious in Home Finale

Cloquet-Carlton squeaked by Esko, while Duluth Denfeld shutout Grand Rapids.

CLOQUET, Minn. – In their final match of the regular season, Cloquet-Carlton got the win over Esko 2-1 Thursday night at the Eskomos Stadium. Kendra Kelley and Katie Turner scored for the Lumberjacks, who finish their season 15-1. The Eskomos got their lone goal from Terryn McColley as they wrap up their regular season at 8-6-1. In other action, Duluth…

#GOTW Preview: Eskomos Look to Build Momentum Against Gobblers

Esko will host Aitkin on Homecoming Night for our Game of the Week.

ESKO, Minn. – Friday night’s FOX 21 Game of the Week pits Esko against Aitkin. And for the Eskomos, it will be a chance to build off a big win last week. Esko held on for a narrow win at Pine City to earn their first victory of the season. It was a sigh of relief for the team to…

UMD Volleyball Sweeps No. 3 Concordia-St. Paul

Bulldogs extend their win streak to 7 after winning in three straight sets over the Golden Bears.

DULUTH, Minn.- No. 5 Minnesota Duluth swept No. 3 Concordia-St. Paul 3-0 Wednesday night at Romano Gym. The Bulldogs extended their win streak to seven straight. Mackenzie Morgan lead the match in kills with 13 and not far behind were Kate Berg and Sarah Kelly each with 10. Emily Torve lead in assists with 38. The Bulldogs now look ahead…

Undefeated Bulldogs Trying Not Look Ahead of Schedule

The UMD football is undefeated at 5-0 and they don't want to think about if they can pull off a perfect season.

DULUTH, Minn. – With a strong 32-3 win over Concordia-St. Paul last weekend, the UMD football team are just about halfway through the season and remain undefeated. Now the question is: with this constant success, how do the Bulldogs keep from getting ahead of themselves? “We talk about it as a team. We take it one week at a time….

Game Week Finally Arrives for UMD Men’s Hockey

This Saturday's home opener will be the first game for UMD since winning the national championship.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Northland will have one thing on its mind as the UMD men’s hockey team will take the ice for the first time this season. The Bulldogs have been in camp mode for the past month, getting ready for their home opener this weekend against the University of Minnesota. The team is getting anxious though…

Rudolph, Saints Women’s Soccer Blank Yellowjackets

St. Scholastica's Roni Rudolph gets her sixth shutout of the season against Wisconsin-Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Duluth native Roni Rudolph extends her shutout streak to 507 consecutive minutes as St. Scholastica blanks Wisconsin-Superior 1-0 Tuesday night at the NBC Spartans Sports Complex. Becca Rancour scored the lone goal of the match for the Saints as Rudolph notched her sixth shutout of the season and has yet to allow a goal in conference play….

Prep Volleyball: Spartans Sweep Greyhounds on “Dig Pink” Night

Superior held a special event at their volleyball match against Duluth East.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In prep volleyball action, Superior swept Duluth East 3-0 Tuesday night at Superior High School. The theme of the night was “Dig Pink”, as all the proceeds will be donated to the Side–Out Foundation which uses youth volleyball to spread awareness for breast cancer. Superior improves 16-7 as they will take on Rice Lake next Tuesday. Categories:…

UMD’s Maddie Rooney Named WCHA Goaltender of the Week

The junior saved 51 of 54 shots during UMD's sweep of Boston College.

DULUTH, Minn. – For UMD goalie Maddie Rooney, it had been a year and a half since she played college hockey. But this past weekend, she picked up right where she left off, earning her first of many WCHA Goaltender of the Week honors. The junior made a league–best 51 saves on 54 shots against then fourth-ranked Boston College, backstopping…

Greyhounds, Hunters Battle to Draw in Boys Soccer

In a battle of two of the best teams in the Northland, this one ended in a 2-2 tie.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a game with several momentum swings, Duluth Denfeld and Duluth East played to a 2-2 tie Monday night at Public Schools Stadium. The Greyhounds’ Seth Hoffman would score the first goal of the match. Jon Faynik answered for the Hunters as the game was tied at one after the first half. Then in the second, Connor…

UMD Football Moves Up to #7 in AFCA Poll

The Bulldogs continue to climb the polls as they stay undefeated.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team are coming off a dominating home win over Concordia-St. Paul as they moved up in the national ranks. It wasn’t a big jump, but the Bulldogs climbed one spot to #7 on the AFCA poll. It is the highest ranking for the Bulldogs since the 2015 preseason poll, where UMD checked in at…

Coaches Corner: St. Scholastica Football

For this week's segment, we talked with the St. Scholastica football team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talked with the St. Scholastica football team. We were joined by interim head coach George Penree, quarterback Zach Edwards and wide receiver Aaron Olson. The Saints talked about their emotional season-opening win over Westminster, plus their game this weekend against Martin Luther. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Prep Volleyball: Rails Sweep, Hunters Win Five-Set Thriller

Proctor defeated Superior 3-0, while Denfeld went the distance with Cloquet 3-2.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Payton Rodberg finished with 16 kills and 14 digs as Proctor got the sweep over Superior 3-0 Thursday night. Sam Pogatchnik chipped in with 17 assists, 10 kills, seven digs and five blocks to help the Rails win their fourth in a row. Next up is a date with Two Harbors on Saturday. In other volleyball news,…

Hawks Girls Soccer Hang On for Win Over Eskomos

It was a close one between Hermantown and Esko.

ESKO, Minn. – One goal was the difference Thursday night as the Hermantown girls soccer team got a big road win over Esko 2-1. The Hawks win back-to-back games for the first time since the start of the season. They will take on Cloquet-Carlton this Saturday. The Eskomos drop their third straight as they will face Duluth Marshall on Monday….

Prep Boys Soccer: Big Wins for Duluth East, Denfeld and Superior

The Greyhounds stay undefeated as they knocked off rivals Duluth Marshall 4-0.

DULUTH, Minn. – Will Francis scores in the second half as Duluth East stays undefeated, taking down rivals Duluth Marshall 4-0 on Thursday night. With that goal, Francis ties the Greyhounds’ school record for most goals in a single season, just a few days after breaking Duluth East’s record for most career goals. The Greyhounds will look to stay unbeaten…

Prep Girls Soccer: Lumberjacks, Greyhounds Extend Win Streaks

Cloquet-Carlton got the home win over Proctor, while Duluth East keeps rolling with a road win over Denfeld.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a high-scoring affair from Bromberg Field, Cloquet-Carlton topped Proctor 7-0 on Wednesday night. The Lumberjacks improve to 11-1, notching their 7th win in a row. They will take on Duluth Marshall on Thursday. In other action, Duluth East got their fifth consecutive victory as they topped rivals Duluth Denfeld 2-1. Meredith Hill scored the go-ahead goal…

Rails Boys Soccer Get OT Road Win over Lumberjacks

Proctor gets their second straight win as they hang on to beat Cloquet-Esko-Carlton.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Ben Harnell scores the game-winner in overtime as Proctor hangs on to beat Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 2-1 Wednesday afternoon at Bromberg Field. The Rails improve to 7-5 on the season as they prepare for a showdown against Duluth Denfeld Thursday night. The Lumberjacks lose their third straight and will look to snap that skid on Saturday against Hermantown. Categories:…

#GOTW Preview: Cardinals Looking to Stay Undefeated

Cromwell-Wright have their eyes on a state title as they get set to battle Carlton.

CROMWELL, Minn. – For Friday’s FOX 21 Game of the Week, we’ll check out some action in nine–man football between two of the best team in the Northland. And one of those teams, Cromwell–Wright, is one of the best in the state. The Cardinals are 4–0 and coming in at #4 in the latest nine–man rankings. So far, everything seems…

Al Sands One Week Away From Pro Fight in Poland

The Haitian Temptatian is going back in the ring next weekend in Poland.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the local boxing scene, The “Haitian Temptation” Al Sands is getting set for his big fight next weekend in Poland. For other boxers, fighting in another country could pose some issues. But Sands has been all over the world so he’s got his game plan set for his fight against two-time world champ Krzysztof Wlodarczyk. “Before…

Greyhounds Boys Soccer Undefeated Under New Head Coach Bachand

Corey Bachand has the Greyhounds red hot as the season winds down.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East boys soccer team is currently undefeated on the season with just a few weeks to go. What makes their success even more impressive is the seamless transition of first-year head coach Corey Bachand. And he wants to improve on the team’s third-place finish last season in the Class 2A state tournament. “That’s been our…

Bulldogs Women’s Hockey Host Third-Ranked Eagles for Home Opener

The UMD women's hockey team will open their season with a tough test.

DULUTH, Minn. – The regular season has finally arrived for the UMD women’s hockey team. And the Bulldogs are going to be tested right out of the gate. UMD will be taking on third–ranked Boston College this upcoming weekend at Amsoil Arena. The Eagles feature three Olympians on their roster, giving the Bulldogs great competition to start off their season….

Greyhounds Girls Soccer Win Fourth in a Row Over Bluejackets

The Duluth East girls soccer team topped Hibbing-Chisholm 3-1.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East girls soccer team got a late goal from Meredith Hill as they topped Hibbing-Chisholm 3-1 on a rainy Tuesday night. The Greyhounds are now riding a four-game winning streak, after opening the season winless in eight matches. Next up is a showdown with crosstown rivals Duluth Denfeld on Wednesday. For the Bluejackets, the loss…

Prep Volleyball: Eskomos, Timberwolves Get Victory Sweeps

Esko knocked off rivals Cloquet at home, while Ely got a road win over Duluth Marshall.

DULUTH, Minn. – In prep volleyball action, Esko defeated Cloquet 3-0 Tuesday night at Esko High School. Each set went down to the wire as the Eskomos won 25-23, 25-21 and 26-24. Taiya Gregg led the way with 20 kills as the Eskomos snap a two-game losing streak. They now get set to take on Hibbing on Thursday. Cloquet falls…

UMD’s Nate Ricci Nominated as Comeback Player of the Year

The senior wide receiver has made a full recovery from a collarbone injury last season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Duluth wide receiver Nate Ricci has been named a nominee for the Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year Award. The senior will be among thirty nominees by the end of the season. The two-time team captain is grateful for his second chance to end his UMD career on a high note. “To still be out…

Perunovich, Shepard Named to All-NCHC Preseason Team

The pair were chosen after UMD was picked to finish first in the conference.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey defenseman Scott Perunovich and goalie Hunter Shepard were named to the NCHC All–Conference Preseason Team. Both players were also named to the All–Conference Team at the end of last season. Perunovich is coming off a stellar freshman year, racking up conference and national Rookie of the Year honors. Shepard was a semi–finalist…

Duluth Native Danny Huffman Ready For the Fight of His Life

The local boxer makes his pro debut this Saturday at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn. – For Danny Huffman, sports was always a big part of his life. “Growing up in my family in general, it was always who was the best athlete, who was the best football player, the best baseball, the best hockey player. It was a tradition of sports and I loved them,” he said. But when he got to…

Friday Night Frenzy Highlights and Scores 9/21/18

Here's all the action from Friday night including wins for Denfeld, Hermantown and Northwestern.

MN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Duluth East 6 Duluth Denfeld 19 Proctor 0 Hibbing 14 Virginia 26 Two Harbors 20 (2OT) North Branch 18 Cloquet 14 Moose-Lake Willow River 22 Esko 14 Greenway Nashwauk Keewatin 44 International Falls 0 Grand Rapids 8 Hermantown 34 Little Fork Big Falls 26 Lake of the Woods 22 WI HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL  Hayward 16 Northwestern…

Prep Volleyball Highlights and Scores From 9/20/18

It was a full slate of volleyball games after rain postponed any soccer action.

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL Denfeld 3 Hermantown 0 Proctor 3 Ashland 0 Cromwell-Wright 3 Wrenshall 0 Cook County 3 Two Harbors 0 Greenway 3 Cloquet 1 Esko 3 Barnum 1 International Falls 3 Littlefork-Big Falls 0 Moose Lake-Willow River 3 South Ridge 0 Categories: High School, Sports