Sports

Huskies Drop Home Opener Against Big Sticks

Duluth's only two runs scored in third inning

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite having a warm reception from fans at Wade Stadium, the Duluth Huskies were unable to win their 2024 home opener. On Sunday, the Huskies were defeated by the Badlands Big Sticks 6-2. Duluth’s only two runs were scored in the third inning on back-to-back hits by Joe Vos and Ethan Cole. Duluth will have a chance at…

State Softball Matchups Set for Proctor, Moose Lake/Willow River

Rails to rematch 2023 opponent

MANKATO, Minn.- Following Thursday’s section championships, both Proctor and Moose Lake/Willow River now know who they’ll face in the MSHSL Softball Quarterfinals. In the AA bracket, #4 Proctor will take on #5 St. Agnes on Wednesday at 3 p.m. This matchup is especially significant to the Rails, who lost to the Aggies in last year’s quarterfinals. In the A bracket,…

Mountain Bikers Hit the Trails for Opening Weekend at Spirit Mountain

The bike park has a variety of trails catering to both expert and beginner riders.

DULUTH, Minn. — Over the past few years, mountain biking has seen a significant growth in popularity in the northland. As new trail systems have been implemented, bikers fill the woods with the sound of zooming tires. “It’s cool to see not only the ridership grow but also the network grow,” said Jon Regenold, Director of Resort Services, Spirit Mountain. At…

Coaches Corner: Nick Bursik

UWS AD finishes 10th year leading Yellowjackets

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by UW-Superior Athletic Director Nick Bursik as the collegiate year comes to an end. Bursik discussed the Yellowjackets winning the Kruse All-Sports Trophy for the third consecutive year, the biggest differences between his job as athletic director and his former job as a coach, and the latest on the construction of…

Harbor Monsters Bring Electric Fan Experience in Opener

Next home game set for June 23

DULUTH, Minn.- While it wasn’t without its hiccups, Saturday’s inaugural Duluth Harbor Monsters game was unique for sports fans in the Northland. Fox 21 Sports Reporter Ben Burns had a first-hand experience of the action and shares his point-of-view on the Harbor Monsters’ preseason win at the DECC. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Top Plays: 5/31

Harbor Monsters light up scoreboard with touchdowns

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters wasted no time in making some eye-popping plays in Saturday’s preseason opener. At number two, Ja’Vonte Johnson threw a fade to receiver Moe Strong, who caught the ball for a touchdown despite being knocked out of bounds. At number one, Lovell Spruce nearly forced a sack, but instead, Willie McCalebb intercepted a pass and…

After 9 Seasons at UMD, Maura Crowell Accepts Head Coaching Position at Dartmouth

Crowell had an overall record of 174-115-28 with the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- When the UMD women’s hockey team enters play next season, they’ll be doing so with a new head coach. After nine seasons, Maura Crowell is departing the program and will be the next head coach at Dartmouth College. Crowell led the Bulldogs to four straight NCAA tournament appearances, a NCAA title runner-up finish in 2022, two NCAA Frozen…

Rails Complete Section Three-Peat With Championship Shutout

Three runs given up through four section games

CLOQUET, Minn.- For the third straight year, the Proctor softball team is headed to the state tournament, defeating Rush City 2-0 in the Section 7AA Championship on Thursday. The Rails reached the section title in a similar fashion, defeating Rush City 2-0. Previous to their two matchups against the Tigers, Proctor took down Aitkin 4-2 before beating Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin 7-1 in…

Moose Lake/Willow River’s Bats Deliver in Section Championship

Rebels' third-straight Section 7A title

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team are headed to their third consecutive state tournament after defeating Cherry 15-5 in the Class 7A Championship at Braun Park on Thursday. The Rebels also defeated the Tigers 15-5 in the semifinals, but Cherry forced a rematch after upsetting top-seeded Silver Bay in the elimination bracket. The Tigers came out of the…

Doncic’s 36 Points Spur Mavericks to NBA Finals with 124-103 Toppling of Timberwolves in Game 5

Anthony Edwards scored 28 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 28 points and 12 rebounds for the third-seeded Wolves.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luka Doncic had a 20-point first quarter on his way to 36 points for his high this postseason, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-103 on Thursday night to breeze through the Western Conference finals in five games. Kyrie Irving also scored 36 points for the Mavericks, who built a 29-point halftime lead on 61%…

Wolfpack Boys Lacrosse Rallies to Defeat Blaine in Section 7 Quarterfinals, Wolfpack Girls Eliminated

The Wolfpack boys will next host Champlin Park on June 4th at 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the Duluth Wolfpack boys and girls lacrosse teams opened postseason play on Thursday. Unfortunately, only one of the teams extended their season. Andover spoiled the festivities a little bit by taking down the Wolfpack girls, 13 to 7. Following that contest, the Wolfpack boys rallied in the 2nd half to defeat Blaine, 9 to 6. The Wolfpack…

Prep Baseball: Duluth Marshall & Esko to Clash in 7AA Semifinals, Denfeld Clinches Spot in 7AAA Semis

Duluth Marshall and Esko will meet up on June 4th. Denfeld plays Grand Rapids on June 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- The anticipated rematch between the Duluth Marshall and Esko baseball teams is now set. After defeating Mora 4 to 0 on Wednesday in the 7AA quarterfinals, the Hilltoppers advanced to the 7AA semifinals. Earlier in the day, Esko rallied after being down 7-1 to defeat Proctor 9-8 in other the quarterfinal game. The two teams will meet up…

Northern Star: Finn Furcht

Esko ace aiming for return to state tournament

ESKO, Minn.- As the Esko baseball team defends its 2023 section and state titles, Finn Furcht will no doubt do his part on the mound. “I’ve been pitching probably since about third grade. I got into it, then I just loved it ever since,” smiled Furcht. “The fastball is my go-to pitch, but I overlay it with the curveball a…

Wilderness Hire Brandon Ferns as GM, Steve Williams as Assistant GM

Ferns takes over for David Boitz, who was promoted to president of operations for the Wilderness.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness have a new general manager and a new assistant general manager. On Wednesday, the team announced the hiring of Brandon Ferns as GM and Steve Williams as assistant GM. Both spent last season with the Chippewa Steel serving as Co-Assistant general managers. Ferns takes over for David Boitz, who was promoted to president of operations…

Minnesota Beats Boston 3-0, Wins Inaugural Walter Cup as Professional Women’s Hockey League champs

Former Bulldog Michela Cava made it 2-0 midway through the third period.

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup. Three nights after prematurely celebrating a would-be game-winner in double overtime that was waved off for goaltender interference, Minnesota finished the job…

NA3HL Wilderness Team to Play Home Games at Hippodrome in Eveleth

The Wilderness are set to play 22 games in Eveleth beginning in September.

EVELETH, Minn.- The NA3HL Minnesota Wilderness team has found their home for the upcoming season. The Wilderness will take over the historic Hippodrome in Eveleth for 22 games. Eveleth City Council approved the agreement on Wednesday. The Hippodrome is set to undergo renovations to the locker rooms and other areas of the arena before the team begins playing games there…

Cloquet Native Kendra Kelley Enters Transfer Portal After Four Seasons at NDSU

Just this past season, Kelley ran the fastest 200 meter dash in NDSU history with a time of 23.19.

FARGO, N.D.- A Cloquet native and track and field standout is looking for her next home. Kendra Kelley announced on her own personal Twitter page that she is entering the transfer portal after four seasons at NDSU. Just this past season, Kelley ran the fastest 200 meter dash in NDSU history with a time of 23.19. She’s also second for…

Northwestern Softball Coach Scott Janigo Retires After 15 Seasons at the Helm

During his time, Northwestern won six conference titles, numerous region championships and one sectional title back in 2016.

MAPLE, Wis.- A longtime Northwestern softball coach is saying goodbye to the program. Scott Janigo is retiring after leading the Tigers the last 15 seasons. During his time, Northwestern won six conference titles, numerous region championships and one sectional title back in 2016. That 2016 season was a special one as it marked the Tigers first trip to state in…

Six Former UMD Women’s Hockey Players Enter PWHL Draft

The draft is June 10th at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- In just 12 days, the PWHL will welcome in their next batch of talent as they hold their annual draft in St. Paul this year. Six former UMD Bulldogs are among those that will hope to hear their name called. Forwards Mannon McMahon, Reece Hunt, Anneke Linser, Michelle Lowenhielm, Naomi Rogge, and lastly goaltender Blanka Skodova have all…

Towns, Edwards Lift Wolves Over Mavs 105-100 to Avoid Sweep in West Finals

Karl-Anthony Towns finally found his rhythm, and the Timberwolves finally closed a game in the Western Conference finals.

DALLAS (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns finally found his rhythm, and the Timberwolves finally closed a game in the Western Conference finals. Now they head back to Minnesota to see if they can make things even more interesting against Dallas. Towns scored 20 of his 25 points in the second half and the Wolves held off the Mavericks 105-100 on Tuesday…

Prep Baseball: Duluth Marshall, Esko, & Proctor All Advance to 7AA Quarterfinals

Duluth Marshall will host Mora next. As for Esko, they'll battle with Proctor.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday marked the first day of the Section 7AA baseball tournament. Top seeded Duluth Marshall is in the quarterfinals after defeating Moose Lake/Willow River 12 to 3. They’ll next host Mora on Thursday at 7 PM. On the other side of the bracket, defending state champions, Esko shut out Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin 13-0. Esko is set to clash with Proctor,…

C-E-C Boys Lacrosse Edges Duluth Marshall for First-Ever Playoff Win

With the win, the Lumberjacks will next host Centennial in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 7 PM.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys lacrosse team achieved a bit of history on Tuesday. C-E-C defeated Duluth Marshall 7-5 in their first-ever playoff contest. With the win, the Lumberjacks will next host Centennial in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Moose Lake/Willow River Softball Rallies Past Cherry for Spot in Section 7A Title Game

Moose Lake will next play Cherry again on Thursday in the title game.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team is one step closer to returning to the state tournament. On Tuesday, the Rebels rallied against Cherry to eventually take a 15-5 victory over the Tigers. Moose Lake will next play either Cherry again on Thursday in the title game. First pitch is at 4 PM at Braun Park in Cloquet. Categories:…

UW-Superior Announces 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Class

The ceremony will take place on July 20th at the Yellowjacket Union Great Room.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UW-Superior has announced their 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class. Braden Desmet, Cody Kastern, Sarah Moravchik, Dan Stauber, Rod Daniels, and lastly Jim Rakow are all set to be inducted on July 20th. The ceremony will take place at the Yellowjacket Union Great Room. For more information, click here. Categories: College, Sports

UMD Men’s Basketball Names Jordan Riewer as New Assistant Coach

Riewer has quite the resume, playing professionally in Croatia and Australia.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team has added a new assistant coach. Former MSU-Moorhead assistant Jordan Riewer has joined the team for the upcoming season. Riewer has quite the resume, playing professionally in Croatia and Australia. Back in his college days, he was named the NSIC Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015 at Moorhead. He also would…

Former Thunderhawk Gavin Hain Re-Signs with Iowa Wild

Hain last suited up for Grand Rapids in 2017.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- A former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk has re-upped with the Iowa Wild. Gavin Hain is heading back to the Wild’s top affiliate on a one-year, two-way contract. Just this past season, he would tally 10 points in 47 games for Iowa. Hain also spent time with the Iowa Heartlanders, where he had two goals in six games. Hain…

CSS Throwers Beneke & Beseth Earn All-American Honors at D3 Outdoor Nationals

This is the 2nd straight year Beneke has earned All-American status.

DULUTH, Minn.- Over the weekend, two St. Scholastica throwers would end their seasons with All-American honors. Competing at the D3 Outdoor Championships, Lily Beneke unleashed a personal best hammer throw of 60.06 meters. That was good enough to place third and once again earn All-American status for the 2nd straight year. On the men’s side, Trent Beseth and his shot…

UMD’s Eli Bicek Places 14th in Hammer Throw at D2 Outdoor Championships

Bicek ends his college career as a program record holder and the third UMD men's hammer thrower to compete at nationals.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD thrower Eli Bicek was competing on the big stage last week at the D2 Outdoor Championships. Bicek’s best hammer throw of the day was 56.76 meters, which outperformed all of his regular season throws. He would finish 14th overall, tying UMD’s previous best performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in hammer throw. Bicek ends his college career…

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving Each Score 33 Points as Mavs Beat Wolves for 3-0 Lead in West Finals

No team in NBA playoff history has rallied from 3-0 down.

DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic lunged for the ball after a steal by Anthony Edwards, knocking it far enough away to create a scramble and a jump ball the Dallas superstar won. The Mavericks made all the big plays again — on both ends of the court — and are a win away from their first trip to the NBA…

Muller Scores Late in 2nd OT, Lifting Boston Over Minnesota to Send PWHL Finals to Decisive Game 5

The final game is Wednesday in Boston.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Alina Muller scored 18:36 into the second overtime to give Boston a 1-0 win over Minnesota on Sunday night, sending the battle for the Walter Cup as the first Professional Women’s Hockey League champion to a fifth game. The final game is Wednesday in Boston. Theresa Schafzahl picked off a loose puck before she exited…

Duluth Harbor Monster Win in Exciting Inaugural Game

Defeated UP 1 Athletic Showcase Saturday night

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters are officially undefeated following Saturday night’s inaugural game at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The Harbor Monsters defeated UP 1 Athletic Showcase 86-34. Duluth was scheduled to play the Dallas Falcons, another team in The Arena League, but were replaced by UP 1 for unclear reasons. Duluth will hit the road on Saturday, June…

Duluth Huskies Opening Season With New, Familiar Faces

Home opener June 2 against Big Sticks

DULUTH, Minn.- On the day before the Duluth Huskies open their 2024 season, many of their players hadn’t been properly introduced to each other. “We’re all actually still trying to remember everybody’s names, but it’s a pretty good vibe in the locker room,” says Gilbert Saunders, a new pitcher for the Huskies. “It feels great to get the season started….

Volunteers Join Together to Clean Up Wisconsin Point Just in Time for Memorial Day

Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve set out to clean up the sandbar on Saturday

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Superiorites weren’t just outside to enjoy the weather. On Saturday, twenty volunteers met up at Wisconsin Point to help make a difference. Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve held their fourth annual Wisconsin Point Spring Beach Cleanup this weekend. Volunteers split off into groups all across the sandbar, working together to pick up litter and mark down…

Doncic Lifts Mavericks with Go-Ahead 3 with 3 Seconds Left to Top Wolves 109-108 for 2-0 Lead

Naz Reid went 7 for 9 from 3-point range for 23 points, but his last try at the buzzer rimmed in and out to send the Wolves to Dallas for Game 3 on Sunday in a big hole.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luka Doncic hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with Rudy Gobert guarding him at the top of the key with 3 seconds left, posting his fifth triple-double of the playoffs to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 109-108 victory and a 2-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals on Friday night. Doncic had 32 points,…

Top Plays of the Week: 5/24

At number one, Duluth FC goalkeeper Ezekiel Foltz gets up to make the insane save against Dakota Fusion FC.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the diamond and on the pitch. At number four, Cloquet softball’s Morgan Olesiak dives to rob a Rock Ridge batter of a hit. At number three, Northwood Solon Springs’ Abe Ahlberg scoops up a grounder and makes the throw to first in one fell swoop. At number two, Duluth Marshall’s…

Duluth FC Returnees Fueled by 2023 Heartbreak

BlueGreens undefeated at home

DULUTH, Minn.- Following their best season in program history, Duluth FC appears to be picking up right where they left off. “It’s great to be back,” says Tyler Limmer. “We’ve got a great group of lads here. Everybody’s super committed to what we’ve built with the club. We’re just here to win games and have fun doing it.” “We were…

Coaches Corner: Tony O’Neil

O'Neil and the Harbor Monsters are set to host the Dallas Falcons in their inaugural game on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Duluth Harbor Monsters Head Coach Tony O’Neil. O’Neil and the Harbor Monsters are set to host the Dallas Falcons in their inaugural game on Saturday. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports, Sports

Minnesota Tops Boston 4-1, Grabs 2-1 Lead in Inaugural PWHL Championship Series

Minnesota will host Game 4 in the best-of-five series on Sunday.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Michela Cava and Taylor Heise both had a goal and an assist to lead Minnesota to a 4-1 victory over Boston on Friday night, giving their team a 2-1 lead in the inaugural championship series of the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Minnesota will host Game 4 in the best-of-five series on Sunday. Game 5, if…

Harbor Monsters Confident Heading Into Inaugural Game Against Dallas Falcons

Kickoff is at 7 PM at the DECC Arena on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Saturday, the Duluth Harbors Monsters will hit the field for their inaugural game against the Dallas Falcons. The finish line so to speak as the team was announced back in April of 2023. Since then, there’s been tryouts and a training camp in efforts to build a talented roster. Head Coach Tony O’Neil expressed confidence in his…

UMD Women’s Hockey Releases Schedule for 2024-2025 Season

In total, the Bulldogs will play 14 games against teams that played in the 2024 NCAA regionals.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team released their schedule for the upcoming season. It all starts on September 21st when they visit the defending national champions, Ohio State. The following weekend will mark their first home series when they take on Syracuse University. The Orange are one of the three non-conference opponents for UMD next year. In total, the…

Skate Park Finally on Roll to Finish Line

Gary-New Duluth project has been years in the making, thinking and funding--and now building.

For people living, working and waiting in the western half of Duluth, it is a dream that is close to coming true. Ground has been broken, and earth is moving for a skate park in Gary-New Duluth. Countless people have worked for years to make that dream become a reality–both physically and financially. Now it’s so close you can almost…

Prep Softball: Proctor & Rush City to Meet in 7AA Semifinals, Rock Ridge Secures Spot in 7AAA Semis

The Tigers and Rails will face off on May 28th in Grand Rapids at 1 PM. Meanwhile, The Wolverines are set to clash with North Branch in Chisago Lakes.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Proctor softball team is one step closer to repeating as Section 7AA champions. On Thursday, the Rails defeated Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin in the quarterfinals, 7 to 1. They’ll next meet Rush City, who topped International Falls 7-6 in the other quarterfinal matchup. The Tigers and Rails will face off on May 28th in Grand Rapids at 1 PM. In…

Wolfpack Girls Lacrosse Ends Regular Season By Picking Up 10th Win Over Stealth

Next up for the Wolfpack (10-3) is the section tournament, which begins next week.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack girls lacrosse team ended their regular season with a win on Thursday, defeating Hermantown/Proctor 12 to 4. Next up for the Wolfpack (10-3) is the section tournament, which begins next week. Hermantown/Proctor (2-8) will close out the regular season on Friday at Rocori. Categories: High School, Sports

Proctor Derails Northwood-Solon’s Perfect Season

Green Eagles to face Winter/Birchwood in regionals

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor baseball team followed up Monday’s win in Hermantown with a 4-1 victory over Northwood-Solon Springs. Prior to this matchup, Northwood-Solon Springs was undefeated and had already clinched the top seed in the WIAA Division 4 Regionals. The Green Eagles were also shorthanded with a few of their players competing in track and field sectionals. The Green…

Ice Is Gone, Rivers Are Flowing For Whitewater Rafting Season

The ice is gone, the temps are rising and the rivers are ready for rafting. Minnesota Whitewater Rafting are ready to get people out on the St. Louis River this Memorial Day weekend and the rest of the summer for wild adventures on the rapids. “You’re gonna to get wet. That’s the biggest thing. People always ask, is someone gonna…

Doncic Leads Strong Close by Mavericks for 108-105 Win Over Wolves in Game 1 of West Finals

The Mavericks might not be the favorites in yet another series, but they stole home-court advantage from the Minnesota Timberwolves with this promising start.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luka Doncic led a strong finish for the Dallas Mavericks, swishing crucial shots down the stretch, drawing a couple of fouls and even playing strong defense. The Mavericks might not be the favorites in yet another series, but they stole home-court advantage from the Minnesota Timberwolves with this promising start. Doncic had 15 of his 33 points…

Northern Star: Aune Boben

Hibbing senior to play for Northern State in 2025

HIBBING, Minn.- In her five years of pitching for the Hibbing Bluejackets, Aune Boben has proven to be a problem for opposing batters. “I’d say sometimes I like to mess with people. That sounds weird.” Boben smiled as she described her strategy on the mound. “I start it off something kind of strong, try to get a strike. And then…