Gremlins Power into State Hockey Title Game

High School

Eight players scored as the Houghton High School hockey team overpowered Riverview Gabriel Richard 8-0 in the state tournament semifinals yesterday. Seth Francois netted the eventual game-winner three minutes in. Niko Rajala added a first-period goal. Kevin Bostwick, Tucker Tapani, Brad Gauthier, Brendan Erickson, and P.J. Donnelly found the net in the second frame. Jiseung Choi’s goal 97 seconds into the third period ended the game early under the mercy rule. Jett Heinonen had three assists. Jimmy Pietila stopped 16 shots to earn the shutout. The Gremlins will face Detroit Country Day for the state title this afternoon. Country Day eliminated East Grand Rapids 3-1 yesterday. Pregame coverage will begin around 1:40 on KBear 102.3 and KBear102.com.

In girls District basketball finals last night…

In Division Three, Calumet’s season ended with a 55-41 loss to West Iron County. Elli Djerf led the Copper Kings with 11 points.

In Division Four, District 98, Baraga claimed the title, with a 32-28 victory over Chassell. Jaylyne Lindemann led a balanced Vikings attack with nine points. Lela Rautiola matched that total for the Panthers. Baraga will face Munising in the regional semifinals Monday at 6:00 Eastern Time at Kingsford.

In Division Four, District 97, Ewen-Trout Creek took the crown, defeating Jeffers 47-37. The Panthers will play Stephenson in the other regional semifinal Monday at Kingsford, beginning at 7:45 Eastern Time.

Finlandia

The Finlandia University softball and baseball teams begin their Florida spring break schedules today. The softball team is in Clermont, and will face Lebanon Valley College and the University of Northwestern. The baseball team is in Fort Meyers, and will play Vassar College and Baruch College.

WCHA Hockey

The Michigan Tech hockey team couldn’t hold a two-goal lead, and lost the opening game of their Western Collegiate Hockey Association tournament quarterfinal series at Bowling Green State University 3-2 last night. Raymond Brice and Alec Broetzman gave the Huskies an early advantage. The Falcons erased it by scoring three goals in a two-minute span midway through the third period. Matt Jurusik made a season-best 38 saves to keep Tech in the game. Those teams continue the best-of-three series tonight in Ohio.

The second-seeded Northern Michigan University hockey squad edged Alaska-Anchorage 5-4 in overtime in the first game of their series. Goalie Atte Tolvinen set a new Wildcats career saves record.

GLIAC Basketball

Both Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan’s women’s basketball teams will play in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference semifinals today at Grand Valley State University. The fourth-seeded Wildcats will face the host Lakers at 2:00. The third-seeded Huskies will take on second-seeded Ashland University at 4:30.

Four Michigan Tech women’s basketball players earned GLIAC honors last night. Abbie Botz was named First Team All-GLIAC. Elizabeth Kelliher and Cassidy Trotter were picked for the second team. Trotter was also named to the All-Defensive Team and Ellie Mackay was chosen as the GLIAC Freshman of the Year.

Former Houghton High School standout Sydney Dillinger from Northern Michigan University was also named to the All-Defensive Team.

Dawson Bilski of the Tech men’s squad was named to the All-GLIAC Second Team.

The Northern Michigan University men’s team will play top-seeded Davenport University in the GLIAC tournament semifinals in Grand Rapids today. Wisconsin-Parkside and Grand Valley State will meet in the other semifinal.

GLHL

Mike Babcock had a hat trick, as the Calumet Wolverines routed the Fox Cities Ice Dogs 8-1 last night. Rory Anderson added two goals, and Ian Carroll stopped 23 shots to get the win in net.

The Portage Lake Pioneers will host the Ice Dogs tonight at 7:30 at Dee Stadium.

NHL

The Detroit Red Wings visit the Tampa Bay Lightning this evening. Pregame coverage begins at 6:40 on 99.3 The Lift.

NBA

The Detroit Pistons continued their playoff push, coming from 21 points down to earn a 112-104 victory over the Bulls in Chicago last night. Blake Griffin scored 27 points, and Andre Drummond collected 24 rebounds. The Pistons have won nine of their last 11, and will host the Bulls tomorrow afternoon. Pregame coverage starts at 11:35 on 99.3 The Lift.

MLB

Daz Cameron homered, as the Detroit Tigers edged the New York Yankees 6-5 in Grapefruit League baseball last night. Starter Matthew Boyd gave up two runs in the first inning, then threw three scoreless frames. The Tigers face the Atlanta Braves this afternoon. Listen for Tigers baseball again this season on 99.3 The Lift.

The Tigers purchased the contract of journeyman catcher Cameron Rupp from the San Francisco Giants yesterday. He’ll provide some depth at that position, either with Detroit or Toledo.

The Milwaukee Brewers doubled up the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-3 yesterday in Cactus League play. Travis Shaw hit two home runs, and prospect Keston Hiura also knocked one out. Freddy Peralta threw three scoreless innings. The Brewers will split their squad for games against the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels this afternoon.

Great Bear Chase

The annual Great Bear Chase takes place today on the Swedetown Trails. Races include Freestyle and Classic events at 50, 25 and 10 kilometers, along with a 50k Skiathlon. More than 800 competitors have registered, to set a new event record. For the full schedule, click here.

NFL

The Detroit Lions have released veteran guard T.J. Lang. He is said to be considering retirement. The Green Bay Packers have cut linebacker Antonio Morrison.

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