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…

Duluth East Senior Infielder Dylan Cole Commits to UMD

Cole led Duluth East in batting average and doubles hit.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another Duluth East senior will get to play college ball next year. Senior infielder Dylan Cole won’t have to go far as he’ll be joining UMD in the spring of 2025. Cole had no problem getting on base for the Greyhounds last spring. He led East in batting average and doubles hit. Cole was also tied with two…

Prep Soccer: Denfeld Boys & East Girls Advance to Respective Section Semifinals

The Hunter boys will play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton next. Meanwhile, the East girls will play at Centennial.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys soccer team opened up section tournament play with a win on Tuesday. The Hunters defeated Hibbing/Chisholm five to nothing in the 7AA quarterfinals. Denfeld will next meet up with Cloquet-Esko-Carlton in the semifinals on Thursday. Gametime is at 6:30 pm in Esko. In other soccer action, the Duluth East girls squad would shut out…

Coming Off First Loss, UMD Football Eager to Bounce Back

UMD hasn't dropped a game to UMary all-time.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team find themselves in an unfamiliar spot this season. And that’s coming off a loss. UMD suffered their first defeat this past Saturday when they fell to Wayne State 28 to 18. Turnovers and failing to capitilize in key situations were some of the reasons for the loss. But now, they turn the page to…

Astros Hit 4 Homers, With a Pair by Abreu, to Rout Twins 9-1 and Take 2-1 ALDS Lead

Game 4 is at Target Field on Wednesday. If the Twins force Game 5, it would be in Houston on Friday.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — José Abreu hit a three-run homer for Houston in a four-run first inning against Sonny Gray and piled on with a two-run shot in the ninth, powering the Astros past the Minnesota Twins 9-1 on Tuesday for a 2-1 lead in their AL Division Series. Yordan Alvarez hit his fourth home run in three games and Alex…

Vikings to Put Justin Jefferson on Injured Reserve for Minimum 4-Game Absence, AP Source Confirms

The earliest Jefferson can return is November 12th against the New Orleans Saints.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings will place wide receiver Justin Jefferson on injured reserve, according to a person with knowledge of the decision, forcing the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year to miss at least the next four games because of a hamstring injury. The person confirmed the decision to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday…

Girls Soccer: Esko & Duluth Marshall Secure Spots in Section 7A Semifinals

Both teams will host semifinal games on Wednesday.

  ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team is one step closer to state after topping Two Harbors on Monday. Esko would defeat the Agates 14 to 0 to advance to the Section 7A semifinals. Esko will next host Legacy Christian Academy on Wednesday at 4 PM. In other 7A section soccer play, Duluth Marshall shut out Proctor 4-0. The…

UMD’s Stejskal & Menghini Named NCHC Goaltender & Rookie of the Week

The duo will hit the ice again on Friday against Northern Michigan.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of men’s bulldog standouts earned conference honors on Monday. After making 32 saves on Saturday night, Zach Stejskal has earned NCHC Goaltender of the Week honors. He also posted a saves percentage of 0.941, which was a conference best. As for Rookie of the Week, that goes to his teammate Anthony Menghini. Menghini scored his first…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Release Schedule for 2023-2024 Season

Both teams are coming off deep national tournament runs in 2023.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams released their schedules for the upcoming year. After finishing as runner-ups in the national title game, the lady Bulldogs will open their slate with a pair of exhibition games. Including one against a Division One opponent, South Dakota State on November 1st. Then 10 days later, the games will count as…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Hockey Stay Put in Latest USCHO Polls

Both teams will be back at AMSOIL Arena this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- The USCHO polls came out for both the men and the women on Monday. After a series sweep against Long Island University, the UMD women will remain at number six in the poll. Same story for the men. They would tie Michigan Tech on Saturday in the USA Hockey Hall of Fame Game. As a result, they stay…

Bentleyville Tree is Up!

Ironworkers donate their time every year to assemble and stack the sections.

It’s a sure sign that the holiday season–and Bentleyville–are nearly here! The Christmas tree at Bentleyville’s “Tour of Lights” went up Saturday morning. One hundred twenty-eight feet to the top, and for all the Northland to see in the months ahead. As always, Iron Workers Local 512 were the volunteers who used their skills to assemble the sections and connect…

After 200 Wins, Mooney Reflects on Growth, Relationships at UWS

First UWS soccer coach to reach 200 victories

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Joe Mooney has now won over 200 wins as the UW-Superior men’s soccer coach. Considering that no other Yellow Jackets soccer coach has even reached 100 wins, this is a milestone worth celebrating. “In the last 16 years, there’s a lot of special moments, and none of it happens without (the) group that I’ve been so lucky to…

Penalty Kick Puts UMD Soccer Over Minot State

Bulldogs' first win in three weeks

DULUTH, Minn.- A first-half goal scored off a penalty kick from Miriam Marsan was the difference-maker in UMD’s 1-0 win over Minot State. Marsan’s goal — her second of the season — was scored in the 26th minute. On the other side of the pitch, UMD Goalkeeper Jennifer Norris tallied 10 saves, the most she’s had in a game since…

UMD Women’s Hockey Opens Season With 6-0 Runaway Win

The Bulldogs will once again face LIU Saturday night before preparing for Ohio State in a two-game series, starting on Friday, October 13.

DULUTH, Minn.- With high hopes heading into the 2023-24 season, the UMD women’s hockey team met expectations Friday night, starting the season 1-0 with the 4-0 victory over Long Island University. Leading the Bulldogs was captain Mannon McMahon, who scored a career-high four goals, including one in the first period. Penn State transfer Olivia Wallin and Senior Alternate Captain Nina…

Top Plays of the Week: 10/6

Cloquet-Carlton's Jones scores first goal for Lumberjacks

DULUTH, Minn.- A diving catch and two eye-popping goals are this week’s top plays of the week. At number three, Duluth East’s Timothy Hudoba laid out and was somehow able to hang onto a spectacular pass from Kellen O’Connell in the Greyhounds’ game against Hermantown. At number two, Felipe Oliveira of UW-Superior’s men’s soccer team was able to get past…

Prep Football: Hermantown & Duluth Denfeld Pick Up Road Wins in Week 6

Both the Hunters and Hawks are now 5-1 on the season.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld football team bounced back on Friday, topping Cloquet 40 to 16. The Hunters improve to 5-1 and will next host Rock Ridge on October 13th. Meanwhile, Cloquet (3-3) will play at Grand Rapids on the 13th. In other football action, Hermantown also picked up their 5th win of the season, defeating Duluth East 42 to…

Former UMD Men’s Hockey Coach Mike Sertich to Be Honored with Spirit of Life Award

Sertich spent 18 years at the helm for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD men’s hockey coach Mike Sertich will be presented with the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum’s Spirit of Life award on Saturday. Sertich spent 18 years at the helm for the Bulldogs. From 1982 to 2000, Sertich led UMD to 350 wins, three WCHA regular season championships, two WCHA postseason titles, four NCAA tournament appearances, and…

Fall Brings Out Sport Card Collectors

Football of course, but playoff baseball brings an added interest.

Fall is in the air. That means football, and this fall–even the Twins! That is good news for people who are into collecting or selling sports cards. At the Miller Hill Mall Friday, it was “game on!” As in Game On Sportscard Collectors and Memorabilia show. Long time collector and dealer Austin Knute had a big selection on display, and…

Prep Soccer: Cloquet-Carlton Outlasts Esko, Duluth East Shuts Out Superior

Regular season finale for Cloquet-Carlton and Esko

DULUTH, Minn.- In less-than-ideal conditions, the Cloquet-Carlton girls and Duluth East boys came away with late-season soccer victories on Thursday. The Cloquet-Carlton girls defeated Esko 1-0 at Hilltop Fields. The only goal of the game came from Allie Jones in the first half. The Lumberjacks end their regular season at 10-2-4 overall while Esko enters the postseason with a 10-2-3…

Cloquet’s Carly Johnson Gets 1,000th Career Set Assist in Lumberjacks Win Over Superior

Cloquet (22-2) will next host Grand Rapids on October 12th.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Cloquet volleyball senior Carly Johnson had a lot to celebrate on Thursday night. Not only did her team pick up a 3 to 0 win over Superior. She also had her 1,000th career set assist in the victory. Cloquet (22-2) will next host Grand Rapids on October 12th. Superior (14-9) will also next host Grand Rapids. That game…