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MTU Hockey Falls in NCAA Opener
Michigan Tech’s best hockey season in a generation ended Friday with a 3-2 overtime loss to St. Cloud State in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. Tech took an early lead on Tanner Kero’s backhander. SCSU tied the game with a power play goal in the second period. MTU reclaimed the lead when C.J. Eick scored midway through the third period, and was poised to advance to the regional final until Jonny Brodzinski found the net with 37 seconds remaining. Judd Peterson scored the game-winner off a rebound a little more than eight minutes into the overtime period. Tech outshot St. Cloud 38-21.
The MTU Huskies finish their campaign with a record of 29-10-1. After starting the season unranked, they climbed to as high as number-one in the national polls, finished as both the regular-season and tournament runners-up in the WCHA, and made their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1981.
Calumet Advances in GLHL Tourney
The Calumet Wolverines became the first team to advance to the GLHL tournament semi-finals with victories in both of their games Friday at Dee Stadium.
In the first game, the Wolverines let a first period lead slip away, then scored six consecutive goals on the way to an 8-2 win over the Fox Cities Ice Dogs. Jeff Erkkila and Eric Mattila both scored twice for Calumet, and Ryan Patrick made 30 saves.
In their second game, the Wolverines got three goals and two assists from Alex Van Wagner, and upset the top-seeded Mosinee Papermakers 6-3. Logan Rastello scored twice for Calumet.
The Portage Lake Pioneers opened the tournament with a 7-3 victory over the Monroe Blues Friday. Jay Pietila led the scoring with two goals and two assists. Peter Rouleau also scored twice. The Pioneers outshot the Blues 54-11.
Portage Lake could advance to the semifinals with a victory over the Fond du Lac Bears this morning. Face-off is at 11:00 at Dee Stadium. Our coverage begins around 10:30 on KBear 102.3 and KBear102.com.
If the Pioneers win, they would face the Wolverines in the second of tonight’s semifinal games. If they do not win, they could still earn the wild card berth, which would place them in the first game this evening.
In other games yesterday, the Eagle River Falcons defeated the DePere Deacons 11-4. The Fond du Lac Bears blasted the Monroe Blues 9-1. The West Bend Bombers blanked Depere 12-0. With two losses, both DePere and Monroe are out. West Bend and Fond du Lac meet today at noon at the Houghton County Arena. Fox Cities faces Mosinee in the last opening-round game at 1:30 at Dee Stadium.
The first semifinal will be played tonight at 6:00 at Dee Stadium. The second semifinal, which will include the Wolverines, will follow at 8:30. The championship game will be played tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 at the Dee. We will continue to bring you all of the Pioneers’ and Wolverines’ games through the tournament.
Finlandia
The Finlandia University softball team lost both ends of a doubleheader at Calvin College Friday, 8-0 and 17-4. The Lions play two at Wisconsin-River Falls on Sunday.
The Finlandia baseball team plays two at Cardinal Stritch University today, and two more on Sunday.
NHL – Red Wings Entertain Lightning
The Detroit Red Wings host the Lightning this afternoon. Face-off is at 2:00 on AM 1400 and FM 99.3 WCCY.
NBA – Pistons Visit Magic
The Detroit Pistons used a strong third period to defeat the Magic 111-97 Friday night. Reggie Jackson collected a triple-double, with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Tayshaun Prince added 23 points. The Pistons have won four straight, and will play at Miami tomorrow evening.
MLB
The Tigers dropped a 4-1 decision to the Blue Jays Friday, in a game that ended in the fifth inning because of rain. Starting pitcher Justin Verlander left the game in the third inning with a cramp in his right triceps muscle. He’ll be evaluated today, but team officials hope he’ll be ready for his next start. The Tigers face the Cardinals this afternoon. Shane Greene will start.
Scooter Gennett and Jonathan Lucroy homered, as the Brewers outslugged the Reds 8-6 last night. Milwaukee starter Matt Garza gave up five runs before leaving in the sixth inning. The Brewers will play the Indians this afternoon. Wily Peralta will start.
Our coverage of the NCAA Men’s Division One basketball tournament continues all weekend on AM 1400 and FM 99.3 WCCY.
To make sure your team’s scores are included in morning sports, send them to mornings@up.net.
