Friday Night Frenzy Archives - Page 6 of 30

UMD Baseball Settles for Split with UMary to Begin Final Regular Season Series

Brayden Buttweiler had a no-hitter through five innings for the Bulldogs in game one.

May 3, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD baseball team began their regular season series on Friday, facing UMary in a doubleheader. UMD (17-31) would start off strong in game one by taking the 4 to 1 victory. Brayden Buttweiler had a no-hitter through five innings for the Bulldogs. He’d end up going 6 1/3 innings with two hits. In game two, UMary would…

Twin Ports Border Battle Brings New Competition to Northland

Basketball tournament featured 130 teams

April 26, 2024

Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For the last five years, the Twin Ports Border Battle has rendered the basketball offseason obsolete for players ages 10-18. “Each year it’s grown, and I think what happens is people come up here, they realize how beautiful Duluth and superior is, and they’re like, I want to come back.” Playmakers North Director Phil Roe has put in…

Duluth East Shines in Greyhound Invitational

Athletes battle through rain, wind

April 26, 2024

Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite the rainy conditions, high school track and field teams competed in the Greyhound Invitational on Friday at Duluth East High School. With 32 of 36 events officially scored, Duluth East scored the most points for both the boys’ (181.5) and girls’ (228.5) events, followed by Rock Ridge (149.5 for boys, 109 for girls). You can find the…

Prep Lacrosse: Stealth Boys Improve to 4-0, Stealth Girls Drop 3rd Straight

The boys will next be in action on Saturday when they host St. Paul/Two Rivers.

April 26, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

PROCTOR, Minn.- Both the Hermantown/Proctor boys and girls lacrosse teams would have home contests on Friday night. But, they would have different results. The Stealth boys improved to 4-0 on the season, defeating Bloomington Kennedy 19 to 5. Meanwhile, the Stealth girls dropped to 0-3 on the year, falling to New Prague 14 to 8. The boys will next be…

Top Play of the Week: 4/26

Motts Erickson and the Wolfpack are off to a 3-1 start this season.

April 26, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes on the turf. In Tuesday’s Superior versus Duluth boys lacrosse game, Motts Erickson catches the rebound and then puts it right back on net for the goal. The Wolfpack are off to a 3-1 start this season. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Mike Vuchetich

Vuchetich has been the head coach for the Stealth since the program started.

April 26, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Hermantown/Proctor’s boys lacrosse head coach, Mike Vuchetich. Vuchetich has been the head coach for the Stealth since the program started. The team is also off to a 3-0 start this season. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Wilderness Extend Season with Game 3 Victory Over Wolverines

The Wilderness will once again try to extend their season on Saturday night in game four. Puck drop is at 7:15 PM.

April 26, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness kept their season alive on Friday, defeating the Anchorage Wolverines 4 to 1 in their best of five game series. Grand Rapids native Ren Morque gave the team a jolt in the first as he netted his 3rd goal to give the team a 1-0 lead. Adam Prokop stopped 32 of the 33 shots he…

Cohasset Native Zach Stejskal Signs Pro Deal in Finland

Stejskal will play for Hokki, who compete in the 2nd highest league in Finland.

April 26, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

COHASSET, Minn.- A day after he opted out of the transfer portal, former UMD Goaltender and Cohasset native Zach Stejskal is going pro in Finland. He will play for Hokki, who compete in the 2nd highest league in Finland. Stejskal spent the past four seasons in Duluth. During that time, he picked up 22 wins in 57 games of action….

Dixon Tosses 800th Career Strikeout, UMD Sweeps UMary in Regular Season Finale

Next up for UMD is the NSIC tournament, which begins May 1st in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

April 26, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team ended the regular season with another sweep, taking two wins against UMary on Friday. In game one, the bats were hot for the Bulldogs as they put up 11 runs to UMary’s zero. UMD would also have three home runs. On the mound was Lauren Dixon, who would toss her 800th career strikeout in…

Harbor City Roller Derby Offers Intense Action and Inclusive Environment

Hosted first home bout since 2019

April 19, 2024

Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For the first time in five years, Harbor City Roller Derby welcomed fans to a home bout, taking on Northern Star at Wessman Arena. “I describe it as a NASCAR plus hockey,” says Harbor City member and captain Abby Jean Goodell. “You’re playing offensive defense at the same time. And it’s a little bit of a race.” Not…

Coaches Corner: Dan Szymczak

Head Golf Coach for St. Scholastica

April 19, 2024

Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, St. Scholastica Golf Coach Dan Szymczak joined the program to discuss the Saints’ women’s spring golf season. Szymczak was named St. Scholastica’s interim head coach in August 2022 and has since taken over as their permanent coach. The Saints are competing in the BU Rumble at the Ridge this weekend in White Bear…

Prep Baseball: Spartans Falls Short, Titans Sink Oredockers

Orlandi Memorial Tournament continues Saturday

April 19, 2024

Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In day one of the Orlandi Memorial Tournament, the Superior Spartans couldn’t keep up with Rice Lake’s scoring while Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin battled through the cold temps for a win against Ashland. In game one, Superior gave up three runs in the first inning, ultimately losing to Rice Lake 14-4. Following the Spartans’ loss, G/NK defeated the Oredockers 5-2. On…

Top Plays: 4/19

At number one, Esko's Isaak Sertich with the diving stop and then the throw over to Jamis Halvorson, who keeps his foot on the bag.

April 19, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays both come from on the diamond. At number two, Hermantown’s Cam Lukovsky makes the nice diving grab to rob a Duluth Denfeld Hunter of a hit. At number one, Esko’s Isaak Sertich with the diving stop and then the throw over to Jamis Halvorson, who keeps his foot on the bag. Categories: Friday Night…

Fast Start Helps St. Paul/Two Rivers Top Superior Girls Lacrosse

Superior (0-3) will next host the Duluth Wolfpack on April 23rd.

April 19, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls lacrosse team is still in search of their first win of the season after falling to St. Paul/Two Rivers 12-2 on Friday. The Ducks would get out to a five goal lead after two quarters and wouldn’t look back. Superior (0-3) will next host the Duluth Wolfpack on April 23rd. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

UMD Lacrosse Hosts First Home Games in Four Years

Bulldogs begin playoffs April 19

April 12, 2024

Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time in four years, Griggs Field was a lot more than just a practice field for the UMD lacrosse team. With the remnants from a previous snowstorm cleared out, the Bulldogs were able to host home games against North Dakota State and Drury. “I’ve always dreamed of playing on this field,” said Reece Wickman, a…

Top Plays: 4/12

At number one, Solon Springs' Isaiah Kastern crashes the hoop for the put-back jam in Wednesday's DAYBA Border Battle.

April 12, 2024

Neil Vierzba, Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both the softball diamond and on the hardwood. At number three, UW-Superior’s Mykenzie Leccia slides on her knees to rob a Blue Devil of an extra base hit. At number two, Hermantown’s Bryden Geisen smacks a deep shot to center for a two-run homer in a 11-0 win over Esko. At number…

Hermantown Softball Blanks Esko in Season Opener

Geisen hits two-run home run

April 12, 2024

Ben Burns,

ESKO, Minn.- The Hermantown softball team started their season on all the right notes as they delivered a 11-0 blowout win against Esko on Friday. After three scoreless innings, the Hawks’ bats came alive, starting with freshman Bryden Geisen hitting a two-run home run to break the stalemate. Hermantown (1-1) will host Superior on Thursday in the Hawks’ home opener….

Coaches Corner: Lucas Mehelich

The Lumberjacks are in their first-ever season as a varsity program.

April 12, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

CLOQUET, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys lacrosse head coach Lucas Mehelich. The Lumberjacks are in their first-ever season as a varsity program. C-E-C would defeat Rocori 10-7 in their inaugural game on Friday. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Wolfpack Boys Lacrosse Handles Big Lake For Season-Opening Victory

This was the 2nd straight year that the Wolfpack have opened the season against the Hornets.

April 12, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack boys lacrosse team started their season on Friday with a win, topping Big Lake 17 to 1. This was the 2nd straight year that the Wolfpack have opened the season against the Hornets. Duluth (1-0) will next host Eastview/Apple Valley on April 16th. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Baseball: Superior Rallies Past Rock Ridge, Cloquet Picks Up 1st Win

Superior (2-5) will next play at Cloquet on April 16th. Meanwhile, Cloquet will travel to Rock Ridge on April 15th.

April 12, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior baseball team would find themselves down 3-0 against Rock Ridge on Friday. But, after putting up one run in the 3rd and three in the 6th, the Spartans would rally past the Wolverines for the 4-3 win. Superior (2-5) will next play at Cloquet on April 16th. Rock Ridge (2-2) will also play Cloquet next on…

After Playing Career Cut Short, Bailey Brings Expertise as Coach

CSS Assistant Coach Hosting Spring Skills Camp

April 5, 2024

Ben Burns,

PROCTOR, Minn.- St. Scholastica Men’s Hockey Assistant Coach Colin Bailey is spending his offseason teaching kids on-ice fundamentals at his own spring skills camp at the St. Luke’s Sports & Events Center. “This is my first year doing this, so (I) definitely kind of took a chance on myself,” says Bailey, the founder of Bailey Hockey Development and a Level…

Coaches Corner: Chris Siljendahl

Greyhounds 1-0 to start baseball season

April 5, 2024

Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Duluth East Baseball Coach Chris Siljendahl. Duluth East has started the year 1-0, securing a victory on Thursday against Cloquet at Wade Stadium. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

UWS Softball Wins Ninth Straight in Shutout Over Crown

Yellowjackets 3-0 at home this season

April 5, 2024

Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Despite the cold weather, the UW-Superior softball team looked red hot on Friday, capturing their ninth-straight win in an 8-0 shutout over Crown College. Freshman Bella Garley (5-0) struck out five batters in her six innings on the mound, allowing only five hits. In her 44.1 innings pitched this season, Garley has allowed 48 hits and 15 runs…

Top Play: 4/5

Duluth Marshall's Berrisford hits in-the-park HR

April 5, 2024

Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall’s Max Berrisford opened the season with a big-time hit at Wade Stadium. In the third inning, Berrisford delivered a hit to right field. Although it didn’t make it over the wall, the catcher rounded the bases for a two-run in-the-park home run. The Hilltoppers won their season opener over Cloquet 8-1. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High…

Drew Blair Named Finalist for Trevor Hudgins & Bevo Francis Awards

Both award winners will be announced this upcoming Monday.

April 5, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Drew Blair could end his Bulldog career with some prestigious awards. On Friday, Blair was named a finalist for both the Trevor Hudgins and the Bevo Francis Award. The Stevens point native had quite the last hurrah for UMD as he became the program’s all-time scoring leader with 2,772 points. Blair would also lead the team in points,…

Murray’s OT Goal Lifts Wilderness Past Jr. Blues in Minnesota’s Regular Season Home Finale

With the 1-0 victory, the Wilderness move ahead of the Chippewa Steel for the final spot in the playoffs.

April 5, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness would close out the home portion of their regular season schedule on Friday with a win. It would take overtime between the Jr. Blues and the Wilderness. But just two minutes in, Nate Murray sent the fans home happy with a game-winning goal. With the 1-0 victory, the Wilderness move ahead of the Chippewa Steel…

Wayne State Spoils Home Opener for UMD Baseball Team with Doubleheader Sweep

UMD will once again face Wayne State in a doubleheader on Saturday.

April 5, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn,- After 25 games on the road, the UMD baseball team would finally have their home opener on Friday, hosting Wayne State in a doubleheader. Unfortunately, the Wildcats would take both games by a final of 6 to 0 and 4 to 3. In the bottom of the 9th of game two, UMD would strand the game-tying run at…

Top Play: 3/29

MIB's Zubich swishes half-court heave at halftime

March 29, 2024

Ben Burns,

VIRGINIA, Minn.- This week’s Top Play wasn’t officially made during an actual game, but it’s good enough for us! At Thursday’s Iron Range Engineering Senior All-Star Basketball Game, Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Jordan Zubich drained a half-court shot during the game’s halftime shootout competition. Zubich is ending high school career as a state champion, the Rangers’ all-team leading scorer and will take…

Cherry Boys Hoops Celebrate State Title With Community

Tigers' first-ever boys basketball state championship

March 29, 2024

Ben Burns,

CHERRY, Minn.- In the middle of a winter storm, the Cherry community packed themselves into a town hall to celebrate the Tigers boy’s basketball team, fresh off their 78-40 Class A State Championship win over Fertile-Beltrami. “The support that we’ve had this season has been incredible,” said Head Coach Jordan Christiansen at Sunday’s celebration. “All the comments that I’ve seen…

Coaches Corner: Melissa Fracker

Fracker is currently in her 4th season at the helm for the Yellowjackets.

March 29, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Melissa Fracker, the head coach of UW-Superior softball. Fracker is currently in her 4th season at the helm for the Yellowjackets. She’s led UWS to the national tournament twice during her reign. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Polar League Track Teams Stretch Legs in Indoor Exhibition

Esko, Moose-Lake Willow River among top performing teams

March 22, 2024

Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Following two weeks of high school track and field practices, teams in Minnesota’s Polar League got their first taste of competition in an indoor exhibition meet at UW-Superior. Below is a list of some of the top finishers in Friday’s first track events: Girls 4×800 Meter Relay: Moose Lake/Willow River (Olivia Jutila, Amelia Olson, Nia Petry, Shannon Granquist)-…

Coaches Corner: Jamie Lindseth

9-year head coach leading Rock Ridge Baseball program

March 22, 2024

Ben Burns,

VIRGINIA, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Jamie Lindseth, the head coach of Rock Ridge Baseball. In our conversation, Coach Lindseth discussed the challenges of practicing indoors, the Wolverines’ progress as they enter their third year as a program, and how he’s grown as a head coach over the years. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High…

College Hoops Tourney Brings About Bracket Madness

60 million to 100 million brackets filled out each year

March 22, 2024

Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- With the first round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament complete, there’s a good chance your bracket may already be busted. According to the NCAA, around 60-100 million brackets are filled out every year. With those kinds of numbers, somebody must have completed a perfect bracket out of sheer luck, right? Not exactly. If someone were…

Top Plays: 3/22

Esko Track team shines at indoor meet

March 22, 2024

Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The high school track and field season hasn’t officially started just yet, but Esko has already proven to be a team to watch this spring. At Friday’s Polar League Indoor Meet at UW-Superior, Senior Gwendolyn Lilly won the girls 60-meter hurdle race with a time of 10.93 seconds. In the following girls’ event, Kaitlyn McConnell won the 60…

UMD Relishing Rematch Against Ohio State

Buckeyes have defeated Bulldogs in last six matchups

March 15, 2024

Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- After a thrilling double overtime victory on Thursday, the UMD women’s hockey team is quickly turning its attention to the top-seeded team in the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State. After finding out their place in the bracket during Sunday’s selection show, UMD Head Coach Maura Crowell and her players had their eyes on a potential rematch against Ohio State….

Esko’s State Tourney Run Falls Short in Section Title Game

14-0 start propels Pequot Lakes to third-straight state appearance

March 15, 2024

Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- For the third straight season, Esko’s boys basketball team fell short of the State Tournament, losing to Pequot Lakes in the Section 7AA Championship Game. The Patriots had all the momentum from the opening tipoff, going on a 14-0 run before Esko could even score. To their credit, Esko was able to do a lot of catching up…

Coaches Corner: Todd Bouchie

Bouchie has been with the Saints since the 2005 season.

March 15, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we were joined by St. Scholastica head men’s & women’s track and field coach, Todd Bouchie. The Saints just closed out the indoor portion of their schedule which included some achieving all-american status. Bouchie has been with the Saints since the 2005 season. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Cherry Boys Basketball Punches Ticket to State for 3rd Straight Year

The Tigers will learn who their first round opponent at state will be over the weekend.

March 15, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

HIBBING, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team is once again making their way to Minneapolis for the state tournament. On Friday, the Tigers would defeat Mountain Iron-Buhl 99 to 55 in the Section 7A title game. This is the 3rd straight year that Cherry has won the section. The Tigers will learn who their first round opponent at state will…

Solon Springs Boys Basketball Sees Season End in D5 State Semifinals

Solon Springs finishes the season with a 27-3 overall record.

March 15, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

MADISON, Wis.- Making their first ever state tournament appearance on Friday, the Solon Springs boys basketball team would battle Columbus Catholic in the Division 5 state semifinals. The Eagles would start off strong, holding a 36 to 32 lead going into halftime. Sadly in the 2nd half it was a different story as the Dons outscored Solon Springs 46 to…

State Hockey: Grand Rapids’ Title Hopes Dashed By Edina in AA Semifinals

The Thunderhawks will now play for 3rd place on Saturday against Cretin-Derham Hall. Puck drop is at 4 PM.

March 8, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team matched up with top-seeded Edina on Friday in the AA semifinals at state. Sadly, the Hornets would show why they earned the top seed, defeating Grand Rapids by a final of 5 to 2. The Thunderhawks will now play for 3rd place on Saturday against Cretin-Derham Hall. Puck drop is at…

Minnesota High School Curling Championship Returns After 50-Year Hiatus

Tournament featured 24 teams and 96 curlers

March 8, 2024

Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- It only took a half of a century, but the Minnesota High School Curling Championship has returned in full force. “We felt it was very important to try to bring this back after 50 years,” says Kerry Hadiaris, the general manager of the Duluth Curling Club. “The group started last spring trying to figure out how we could…

Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Capture Fourth Straight Section Title

30 points for Zubich in 77-35 victory

March 8, 2024

Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team will have a chance to defend their state title next week following Friday’s 77-35 Section 7A Championship win over Cromwell-Wright. This marks the Lady Rangers’ fourth-straight section title and their third-consecutive title win over the Cardinals. “It was fun to watch our kids compete today,” said Jeff Buffetta, the head coach of…

Top Plays of the Week: 3/8

At number one, Esko's Koi Perich intercepts the pass and take it all the way back for the one-handed slam.

March 8, 2024

Neil Vierzba, Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the ice and on the hardwood. At number two, U-M-D’S Kyle Bettens gets the shot off before he falls to the ground for his 5th goal of the season. And at number one, Esko’s Koi Perich intercepts the pass and take it all the way back for the one-handed slam….

Coaches Corner: Jacob Smith

Superior 7th Grade boys won McDonald's Classic in La Crosse

March 8, 2024

Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we were joined by former Superior High School Boys Basketball Coach Jacob Smith, who’s now coaching Superior’s 7th grade boys. Coach Smith talked about his team winning the McDonald’s Classic, along with the differences between coaching high school boys and 7th grade boys. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Hermantown Boys Hoops Tops Rock Ridge in Shootout for Spot in 7AAA Title Game

Hermantown will next take on Chisago Lakes on March 14th at Duluth Denfeld High School.

March 8, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- For the 3rd straight season, the Hermantown boys basketball team will be competing for the Section 7AAA championship. On Friday, the Hawks held off Rock Ridge 101 to 99 on their home court in the semifinals. Nathan Hill led Hermantown with 32 points on the night. Right behind him was Abe Soumis with 27. Next up, they’ll play…

UMD Men’s Hockey Rallies to Take Down #17 St. Cloud State in OT

Both teams will run it back on Saturday with puck drop set for 6:07 PM.

March 8, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team opened up their final regular season series on Friday against St. Cloud State. Game one would go down to the wire as the two teams were tied at five heading into overtime. Then in the extra period, Ben Steeves would light the lamp for the 2nd time on the night to give UMD…

Five Bulldogs Score in UMD’s Game One Win Over St. Cloud State

Can Clinch WCHA Final Face-Off Berth With Win

March 1, 2024

Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- With the regular season in the rearview mirror, the UMD women’s hockey team entered the WCHA Playoffs with authority, shutting down St. Cloud State 5-0 for the game one victory. This marks the second-straight time the Bulldogs opened the WCHA playoffs with a shutout victory (defeated St. Cloud State 1-0 in 2023). After a scoreless first period, UMD…

UMD’s Jobst-Smith Leads Through Kindness, Grit

Named Alternate Captain for 2023-24 Season

March 1, 2024

Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- Nina Jobst-Smith has done a lot of growing up in the last four years. It all stemmed from her life-changing decision to leave her home country for the United States. “I had intended to go to a school up in Canada. So, after kind of having a change-of-heart in my 12th grade year, I decided to decommit and…

Top Plays: 3/1

Superior's Anderson, Barnum's Hurst deliver big blocks

March 1, 2024

Ben Burns,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- A pair of big-time blocks are featured in this week’s Top Plays. At number two, Calvin Anderson of Superior sends back a shot in the Spartans’ playoff game against Hortonville. At number one, Barnum’s Brock Hurst delivers a denial in the Bombers’ road matchup against Two Harbors. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Plays of the Week,…

Coaches Corner: Glen Drexler

Drexler is in his 14th season leading the Yellowjackets.

March 1, 2024

Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with UWS men’s and women’s head track and field coach, Glen Drexler. Drexler is in his 14th season leading the Yellowjackets. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports