Sports

UMD Football to Meet Bemidji State in NSIC Showdown Saturday

UMD has dropped the last two meetings against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight week, the UMD football team handled business against a team from North Dakota, as they got the best of Minot State, 42 to 7 on Saturday. It’s the 5th time this season that the Bulldogs have put up forty plus points. The ground game was propelled by Jaylen McKnight and Kyle Walljasper as McKnight…

Coffee Conversation: Getting to Know FOX21 Sports Anchor/Reporter Ben Burns

DULUTH, Minn. — Ben Burns joined the FOX21 team in August 2023 as a Weekend Anchor / Sports Reporter. Burns came on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about how he got his start in Wisconsin, his role in sports broadcasting today, and the latest headlines in Northland athletics. If you have a sports inquiry, email bburns@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

UMD’s Jares Named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week

Scored three goals in two games for Bulldogs

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Jackie Jares has had a strong senior season for the Bulldogs, and she’s earning some recognition with the regular season winding down. Jares has been named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring three goals in a pair of home games for the Bulldogs. She scored both goals in UMD’s 2-1 Friday win over Southwest…

UMD’s Gascon Named WCHA Rookie of the Week

21 saves in win over Minnesota State Mankato

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Ève Gascon is being recognized for her immediate impact in front of the net for the Bulldogs. The freshman was named WCHA Rookie of the week after tallying 21 saves in Friday’s win over Minnesota State Mankato. This was Gascon’s second win of the season. The UMD women’s hockey team is set to face Bemidji State on…

Perkins, Stejskal Earn Weekly Honors

Bulldogs Swept Beavers in Two-Game Stint

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of UMD Bulldogs are being rewarded for their pair of weekend wins over Bemidji State. Matthew Perkins has been named the NCHC Rookie of the Week after scoring his first collegiate goal and adding two assists on Friday. In addition, Zach Stejskal was named the NCHC Goaltender of the Week. The senior earned both of the…

Bright Future Ahead for Lily Clark, Superior Tennis

Clark: 17-5 singles record in 2023

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The high school girls tennis season may be over in Wisconsin, but the Superior Spartans have a rising star that’s worth keeping an eye on in 2024. Freshman Lily Clark ended the 2023 season as Superior’s number two singles player, compiling a 17-5 record. Clark made the rare jump from middle school to varsity this fall, but she…

Bulldogs Return to Hardwood With Preseason Victory

Hakamaki tallies 13 points for UMD

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team returned to Romano Gymnasium Sunday for a 76-41 exhibition win over Lakehead University. Senior Taya Hakamaki was named the player of the game with 13 points. The Bulldogs will continue their preseason stretch on Wednesday, November 1st when they travel to Brookings, SD to face South Dakota State. Categories: College, Sports

Moorjani’s Late-Game Header Seals UMD Win

Bulldogs haven't lost since October 1st

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD soccer team had a flair for the dramatics Sunday afternoon in their 2-1 win over the University of Sioux Falls. The Bulldogs’ first goal game 63 seconds into the match from the right foot of Jackie Jares, who has a team-leading eight goals on the season. The Cougars evened the score in the second half as…

Top Plays: 10/20

Bailey scores goal, Schott completes deep ball, Perich returns punt for TD

DULUTH, Minn.- A long-range sectional final goal and two eye-catching touchdowns make the grade in this week’s top plays. At number three, Cloquet/Esko/Carlton’s Joseph Bailey knocked in a goal against Grand Rapids to put the Lumberjacks up 1-0. C-E-C would win 2-1 and advance to the state tournament. At number two, Hermantown’s Alex Schott completed a 52-yard touchdown pass to…

Coaches Corner: Heidi Anderson

The Lumberjacks are heading into section play with twenty plus wins under their belt.

CLOQUET, Minn.- On this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up Heidi Anderson, the head coach of the Cloquet volleyball team. The Lumberjacks are heading into section play with twenty plus wins under their belt. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy

Northwestern Cruises Past Elk Mound in Playoff Opener

Seventh-straight Level 1 victory

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern Tigers are headed to the next round of the playoffs after defeating Elk Mound 44-12 Friday. Cooper Lawton scored the Tigers’ first touchdown before Ethan Harms made it a two-score game with a quarterback sneak at the goalline. The Tigers will face Stanley-Boyd on their home turf on Friday, October 27.   Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

Mavericks Pull Upset Over Bulldogs Volleyball

First-set win not enough for UMD

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite coming into Friday night’s matchup as the favorites, the UMD Bulldogs were unable to keep up with Minnesota State, falling in four sets. The Bulldogs won the first set, but struggled to contain the Mavericks in sets two through four. They’ll look to get back on track Saturday afternoon against second-ranked Concordia St. Paul. Categories: College, Friday…

Power Plays Rule the Day in Bulldogs’ Win over Beavers

Three PP goals by UMD in first period

DULUTH, Minn.- It didn’t take long for UMD’s men’s hockey team to show their special teams dominance in Friday’s 4-0 win over Bemidji State. The Bulldogs scored three goals in the first period, all of which came on power plays. UMD will have another go at the Beavers Saturday night in Bemidji. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Saints Football Facing Tough Test Against Carleton College

Knights 5-1 in 2023 season

DULUTH, Minn.- Saint Scholastica will be on the road Saturday afternoon when they take on Carleton College. The Saints’ season hasn’t gone as expected as they currently sit at 2-4 overall. Meanwhile, Carleton currently sits at 5-1, and Saints Linebacker John Bonner knows they’ll have to be prepared and play their absolute best if they want a chance to win….

Broman Brothers Coach Fundamentals at Basketball Camp

Camp focused on passing, dribbling and shooting

DULUTH, Minn.- With most schools in the Northland not having classes this Friday, some kids hit the court at the Broman Academy Fall Camp. The camp was hosted by former Lakeview Christian Academy and Division I basketball players Bjorn and Anders Broman. The brothers split the camp into two sessions: One for 1st-4th graders, and the other for 5th-9th graders….

Scots Too Much for Saints on Volleyball Court

St. Scholastica falls to 3-18 on season

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite avoiding their fourth-straight sweep, St. Scholastica’s volleyball team was unable to keep up with Macalester in a four-set loss. Lindsey Baribeau led the Saints’ attack, tallying 12 kills. Defensively, Baribeau recorded 2.5 blocks Riley Panger and Grace Myhre each contributed 10 digs. Thursday’s loss puts the St. Scholastica at 3-18 on the season. The Saints will stay…

Duluth East Seniors Shine in Sweep over Hilltoppers

Facing Forest Lake in 7AAAA Sectionals

DULUTH, Minn.- In front of a student section beaming with spirit, the Duluth East volleyball team swept Duluth Marshall on Senior Night. This win (25-22, 25-20, 25-10) puts the Greyhounds at 10-9 while the Hilltoppers are now an even 10-10. Duluth East is set to face Forest Lake in the first round of the 7AAAA Sectional Tournament on Wednesday, October…

Wilderness Return to Home Ice Amid Win Streak

Tied for first place in Midwest Division

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness’ return to Northwoods Credit Union Arena couldn’t have come at a better time. The NAHL team have been temporarily housed at St. Luke’s Sports & Events Center in Proctor after their Cloquet arena was iceless due to a cooling tower issue. Friday’s home opener comes as the Wilderness have won six straight games. Leading Minnesota…

Prep Football: Denfeld, Esko Earn Wins; Cloquet, Proctor Fall at Home

Final week of regular season for Minnesota high school football

DULUTH, Minn.- On a rare Wednesday night of high school football, two of the Northland’s top teams wrapped up their regular season with impressive home victories. The Duluth Denfeld Hunters won on the road against Hermantown 31-29, improving to 7-1 overall. Esko cruised past Pine City 61-0, marking their 26th-straight regular season win and putting them at 8-0 in 2023….

Duluth Marshall Boys Soccer Advances to State for First Time Since 2012

The Hilltoppers now await their first round opponent at state as matchups will be announced on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys soccer team extended their season on Wednesday, defeating PACT Charter 3-0 in the Section 7A title game. This is the Hilltoppers first section title win since 2012. They now await their first round opponent at state as matchups will be announced on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

Northern Star: Alex Hanson

UWS Defender growing as a person and player

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s soccer recently went on a seven-game win streak — six of which ended in shutouts. On a team full of playmakers, it may be difficult for one single player to stand out from the crowd. Enter Alex Hanson. Countless athletes from around the world have played at Superior’s NBC Spartan Sports Complex, but few share…

#14 UMD Men’s Hockey Preps for Bemidji State Without Assistant Captain Dominic James

The Bulldogs enter their series without top center Dominic James, who will be out for the year with an upper-body injury.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team moved up the polls after a successful weekend against Northern Michigan. The Bulldogs are now number fourteen in the country. UMD continues the non-conference portion of their schedule this upcoming weekend with a home and home series against Bemidji State. Both enter the contest with one victory so far this season. The Bulldogs…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey Not Dwelling as they Enter MSU-Mankato Series

Game one is set for Friday at 3:01 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team is coming off two tough losses at home to 2nd ranked Ohio State. As a result, the Bulldogs would drop two spots in the polls to number eight in the country. UMD now turns the page as they will hit the road for the first time this season, facing Minnesota State-Mankato this weekend….

Grand Rapids to Hire Grant Clafton as Next Boys Head Hockey Coach

It's a reunion of sorts as Clafton was an assistant coach for Rapids in the 2014-2015 season.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- It appears Grand Rapids has circled in on their next head boys hockey coach. Activites Director Dale Christy tweeted out that former Greenway head coach Grant Clafton will be hired as the next head coach of the Thunderhawks, pending school board approval. Clafton coached the Raiders from 2015 to 2019. During that run, Greenway would place 2nd…

Prep Soccer: Lumberjacks girls, boys advance to State

Fifth-straight state appearance for girls, third-straight for boys

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet/Carlton girls and Cloquet/Esko/Carlton boys opened their new field Tuesday with a pair of Section 7AA Section Final victories. The Cloquet/Carlton girls defeated North Branch 3-0 after losing to the Vikings earlier in the season. Lauren Hughes, Makayla Stirewalt and Mackenzie Lynch each scored goals for the Lumberjacks. This is the fifth-straight year Cloquet/Carlton has qualified for…

Esko Girls Soccer Repeats as Section 7A Champions

This will be Esko's 2nd state tournament appearance in the last 12 years.

ESKO, Minn.- For the 2nd straight year, the Esko girls soccer team is heading to the state tournament. Esko would defeat Duluth Marshall 4-0 in the Section 7A championship on Monday. This will be Esko’s 2nd state tournament appearance in the last 12 years. “It was a continuation of last season. They were able to continue to learn. We knew…

#10 Bulldogs Gear Up for Pair of Home-Floor Challenges

Hosting Minnesota State Mankato, #2 Concordia St. Paul

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s volleyball team knows they’ll be put to the test this week with two inner-state challengers rolling into town. On Friday, the tenth-ranked Bulldogs will host Minnesota State Mankato before taking on #2 Concordia St. Paul. UMD has had mixed results against ranked teams this season. However, they defeated #8 St. Cloud State on the road in four…

UMD Football Heads to Minot After Shutout Victory Against UMary

Kickoff is set for 1 PM on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD head football coach Curt Wiese has been preaching to his team to have a complete game every week. That’s what his squad did as they had their 2nd shutout of the season, topping UMary 46 to nothing. Defensively the Bulldogs held the Maruaders to just ten rushing yards and 88 passing yards. The offense was clicking too…

Coming Off National Title Appearance, UMD Women’s Hoops to Have Different Look

The Bulldogs enter the year without two key staples from a year ago, that includes D2 Player of the Year Brooke Olson and 5th year guard Maesyn Thiesen.

DULUTH, Minn.- After making their first-ever appearance in the national championship game last year, the UMD women’s basketball team has officially turned the page to a new season. The Bulldogs enter the year without two key staples from a year ago, that includes D2 Player of the Year Brooke Olson and 5th year guard Maesyn Thiesen. Head Coach Mandy Pearson,…

UMD Men’s Hoops Equipped with Continuity Entering 2023-2024 Season

The Bulldogs return all their starters from last year's elite eight team.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team didn’t have many nametags on at their first couple of practices. That’s because the Bulldogs return all their starters from last year’s elite eight team. They also have two others on the roster that have seen plenty of time. Head Coach Justin Wieck say’s it’s been nice having a large amount of continuity….

Duluth Harbor Monsters Name Tony O’Neil as New Head Coach

O'Neil is currently an assistant coach at Denfeld high school.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters hired their first-ever head coach on Monday. Tony O’Neil has been picked to lead the team into their first season this upcoming summer. O’Neil confirmed the news on his own personal facebook page. He’s currently an assistant coach for Denfeld but has three years of experience at the arena league level. O’Neil stated that…

Esko Football’s Joey Antonutti Commits to Valley City State

Antonutti is currently 2nd on the team in tackles with 31 so far this season.

ESKO, Minn.- Another Esko football standout will soon call Valley City State home next year. Senior running back and linebacker Joey Antonutti has announced his commitment to the Vikings. Antonutti is currently 2nd on the team in tackles with 31 so far this season. He’s also tallied 168 rushing yards this season. Just two weeks ago, his teammate Jace Stewart…

UWS Women Sets Tone Early in Win Over St. Scholastica

Two goals scored by Holmquist

DULUTH, Minn.- The UWS women’s soccer team made their presence known early in Sunday’s 3-1 win over St. Scholastica. In the match’s first minute, Mya Holmquist scored for the Yellow Jackets on a header off a corner kick from Lindrey Schendel. Holmquist would go on to score another goal for UWS in the second half. In the ninth minute, the…

Spartans Boys Soccer Ready for Regionals

Facing D.C. Everest on Tuesday

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The postseason has arrived for high school boys soccer in Wisconsin, and the Superior Spartans are eager to make some noise in the first round of WIAA Regionals. On Tuesday, #6 Superior will take on #3 D.C. Everest. The two last played on September 9 when D.C. Everest defeated the Spartans 4-2. “We just need to focus the…

Top Plays: 10/13

Esko's Perich takes interception other way for pick-six

DULUTH, Minn.- Esko dominated the conversation in this week’s top plays. At number two, Gwendolyn Lilly scored a goal on an impressive header off a free kick from Abrianna Madill Monday against Two Harbors. At number one, Koi Perich returned an interception against Hermantown for a touchdown in the first quarter. He would go on to record another pick-six in…

Coaches Corner: Otto Berti

SUPERIOR, Wis.- On this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Otto Berti, the head coach of the Superior boys’ soccer team. The Spartans ended their 2023 regular season with an 8-6-4 record and will play D.C. Everest in WIAA Regionals on Tuesday, October 17. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Prep Football: Esko Stays Unbeaten, Denfeld Gets Win #6, Northwestern Clinches Share of Conference Title

Esko will look to close out the regular season unbeaten Wednesday when they host Pine City.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Esko football team stayed unbeaten on Friday night, topping Hermantown on the road 41 to 7. Koi Perich would have three touchdowns in the first half to lead Esko. Esko will look to close out the regular season unbeaten Wednesday when they host Pine City. In other prep football action, Duluth Denfeld picked up win number six…

Early Goal From UMD Women Doesn’t Slow Down Buckeyes

Bulldogs' fifth loss to Ohio State in last six meetings

DULUTH, Minn.- Last year, the UMD women’s hockey team lost to Ohio State in four of their five meetings. On Friday, the Buckeyes continued to get the best of the Bulldogs. Ohio State defeated UMD 5-2 in their first of a two-game series. The Bulldogs took an early lead with a goal from Olivia Wallin, but the Buckeyes bounced back…

Northern Michigan & UMD Men’s Hockey Skate to 5-5 Tie to Open Series

The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at 7:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey opened up their first full series on Friday, skating to a 5-5 tie with Northern Michigan. The Bulldogs would take a three to nothing lead after one period of play. Ben Steeves would lead UMD offensively with two goals in the contest. The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at…

Former Bulldog Gabbie Hughes Named to U.S. National Team Roster for Rivalry Series

Hughes previously earned a IIHF world championship gold medal in April with the U.S.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s already a special weekend for former Bulldog forward Gabbie Hughes. On Saturday, she will see the banner raised for her 2023 Hockey Humanitarian award before the Buckeyes and Bulldogs drop the puck. Even better news for her, she received word on Thursday that she made the U.S. national team roster for the upcoming Rivalry Series against Canada…

UWS Men’s Hockey Picked to Finish 3rd in WIAC, UWS Women Selected 4th

Both teams will open the year with bouts against St. Scholastica.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s and women’s hockey teams are just two weeks away from opening up the season. On Thursday, the WIAC revealed their preseason poll and coming in 3rd are the Yellowjacket men. UWS is coming off a year in which they went 15-12-2. As for the women, they were picked to finish fourth on Friday afternoon. The…

Prep Soccer: C-E-C Boys & Cloquet-Carlton Girls Clinch Spots in 7AA Title Games, East Boys & Denfeld Girls See Seasons End

The section title games will take place on October 17th at either Denfeld or Cloquet.

ESKO, Minn.- Both the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team and Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team are one step closer to another trip to state. On Thursday, the C-E-C boys held off Duluth Denfeld 2-0 in the section 7AA semifinals. With the win, the Lumberjacks will next host Grand Rapids, who topped Hermantown in the other semifinal game, in the section final. That…

Esko’s Koi Perich Lands On MN Football Honors Super 6 Team

The ceremony for the Super 6 team will take place October 22nd in Minneapolis.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko senior Koi Perich has been making plays all season long and he’s now being honored for his efforts. Perich was named to the Minnesota Football Honors Super 6 Team. At the halfway point of this season, Perich had found the end zone 15 times. Ten were on offense, three were on defense, and two came from special…

UMD’s Drew Blair Named NSIC Preseason Player of the Year, Bulldogs Picked to Finish 1st

Blair led the conference in four different statistical categories, including points and field goals made last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NSIC basketball preseason polls came out on Thursday. Coming into his final season as a Bulldog, graduate guard Drew Blair was named the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year. He was also on the player’s to watch list. Blair led the conference in four different statistical categories, including points and field goals made last season. As for…

Ella Gilbertson Picked for NSIC Player to Watch List, UMD 2nd in NSIC Coaches Poll

Gilbertson was second on the team for total points last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD Senior guard and forward Ella Gilbertson landed on the NSIC player to watch list on Thursday. Gilbertson was second on the team for total points last season. She was also fourth on the team with 26 three pointers made, of course including that game winner in the NCAA Central Region Championship versus Missouri Southern State. As for…

Northern Star: Ella Walker

Proctor senior committed to University of Sioux Falls

PROCTOR, Minn.- As the daughter of a former UMD volleyball player, Ella Walker has been around the sport her entire life. However, her passion and desire to compete has never diminished. “We’re definitely playing hard, and that’s what matters.” Standing at 6’2″, Walker has solidified herself as Proctor’s enforcer at the net? “Do you like being tall?” I asked. Walker…

Girls Soccer: Duluth Marshall Holds Off Spectrum in 7A Semifinals, to Play Esko in Title Game

The section title game will take place in Esko on October 17th at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls soccer team picked up a key section 7A semifinal game on Wednesday, defeating Spectrum 2-1 in the semifinals. The Hilltoppers will next play Esko in the section title game. That game will take place on October 17th in Esko at 6 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Abreu Homers Again to Power Astros Past Twins 3-2 and Into 7th Straight ALCS

Houston will host in-state rival Texas in Game 1 of the ALCS on Sunday.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — José Abreu homered for the third time in two games, a two-run rocket in the fourth inning that launched the Houston Astros to their seventh straight AL Championship Series appearance with a 3-2 win that eliminated the Minnesota Twins in Game 4 of their AL Division Series on Wednesday night. José Urquidy gave the playoff-tested Astros another…

#6 UMD Women’s Hockey Opens Conference Play Versus #2 Ohio State

In UMD's last six games against the Buckeyes, each have come down to just one goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a series sweep against Long Island University last weekend, the 6th ranked UMD women’s hockey team opens up conference play this week when they welcome in 2nd ranked Ohio State to AMSOIL Arena. And if they’re anything like last year’s games, they could go down to the wire. In the last six games against the Buckeyes, each…

#17 UMD Men’s Hockey Continues Non-Conference Slate Against Northern Michigan

UMD last clashed with Northern Michigan back on December 21st, 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team continues the non-conference portion of their schedule by facing another team from Michigan this weekend. After tying with Michigan Tech on Saturday, the Bulldogs will play two against Northern Michigan. It’s been a few years since UMD has clashed with the Wildcats. Their last matchup came on December 21st, 2021 as Northern Michigan…