Blue Bolts Fall in State Hoops Semifinal – Friday Sports Wrap

High School

Dollar Bay-Tamarack City’s boys basketball team ended its deep tournament run with a 55-28 loss to Southfield Christian in the Division Four semifinals yesterday. The Blue Bolts took an early 4-3 lead with an Ashton Janke layup, but Southfield pulled ahead by six at the end of the first quarter, and opened up an 18-point lead at halftime. Janke led the team with nine points and seven rebounds. Dollar Bay ends its season with a record of 21-5, and their second-straight trip to the semifinals.

The Dollar Bay sports boosters are accepting donations to help cover the cost of the trip downstate. Donate at the GoFundMe page here.

Finlandia

The Finlandia University softball team lost 13-0 to Olivet College and 7-4 to Catholic University yesterday. The Lions have today off, and will wrap up their Florida trip with games against Simpson College and Saint Lawrence University tomorrow.

The Finlandia baseball team is scheduled to play at the Milwaukee School of Engineering tomorrow and Sunday.

WCHA

The Western Collegiate Hockey Association tournament semifinals open tonight. Northern Michigan University will host Bowling Green State University on one of the best-of-three series. Lake Superior State will play at Minnesota State in the other.

Michigan Tech was shut out of the WCHA All-Conference teams this season. Brian Halonen was named to the All-Rookie team.

College Basketball

The Northern Michigan University women’s basketball team opens the NCAA Division II playoffs tonight at 9:30 against Ashland University.

NHL

The Detroit Red Wings couldn’t hold an early lead, and lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4 last night. Goals by Madison Bowey, Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader put Detroit up 3-0, but the Lightning responded with five straight scores to take control. Michael Rasmussen narrowed the gap with a late goal for the Wings. Jimmy Howard made 34 saves. The Wings entertain the New York Islanders tomorrow. Pregame coverage begins at 12:40 on 99.3 The Lift.

NBA

The Detroit Pistons host the Los Angeles Lakers this evening. Pregame coverage starts at 6:35 on 99.3 The Lift.

MLB

The Detroit Tigers played to a 4-4 tie with the Boston Red Sox in Grapefruit League action yesterday. Matthew Boyd gave up three runs over five innings. The Tigers will play the Tampa Bay Rays this afternoon. Listen for Tigers baseball again this season on 99.3 The Lift.

The Tigers have shut down pitcher Michael Fulmer indefinitely, ostensibly to work on rebuilding his mechanics. Fulmer is recovering from knee surgery last season.

The Milwaukee Brewers wound up in a 7-7 tie with the California Angels in Cactus League action yesterday. Mike Moustakas, Christian Yelich and Jesús Aguilar homered for the Crew. Freddy Peralta left the game in the fourth inning, and was charged with five runs. The Brewers will face the San Diego Padres this afternoon.

Oldtimers Hockey

The Copper Country Oldtimers Hockey Tournament continues through the weekend. Games in multiple men’s and women’s divisions will be played at the Houghton County Arena, Dee Stadium, and the Calumet Colosseum. One $5.00 ticket gets you into all of the contests. See the full schedule here.

Our high school basketball coverage continues Tuesday, when the Baraga girls take on Saint Ignace in the state quarterfinals. Pregame coverage from Escanaba will start at 6:40 on KBear 102.3 and KBear102.com.

Email sports stories and game results to mornings@up.net.