Recent content from Rachel Blount
Gable Steveson won't defend his Olympic gold medal in wrestling
Former Gophers and Apple Valley wrestling standout Gable Steveson qualified for this weekend's U.S. Olympic trials but did not enter the event.
Scorching hot before the PWHL's break, Minnesota returns Thursday at Montreal
Minnesota vs. Montreal features two stars from the world championships. Kendall Coyne Schofield had nine points in that tournament, and Marie-Philip Poulin scored two goals to help Canada win gold.
Elk River's Bates again top American woman in Boston Marathon
After an injury last fall, Emma Bates regained her place among the nation's elite runners — even if her time fell slightly short of her expectations.
Top-seed BC breezes into Frozen Four championship with 4-0 victory over Michigan
The Eagles earned a showdown with Denver on Saturday at Xcel Energy Center for the title.
Commission approves historical horse racing games at tracks over tribes' objections
Historical horse racing is a machine-based game that allows users to wager on past horse races. It has been used in other states to generate money for live racing purses.
PWHL Minnesota beats Montreal 3-2 in shootout before lengthy break
The team came back from a 2-0 deficit to win before taking a nearly monthlong break for the world championships.
Jessie Diggins says she really needs a break from skiing right now
After revealing last fall that she had a relapse of an eating disorder, Diggins roared to the best season of her career. Now, it's time for the Afton native to dial things down.
Diggins makes history, clinches second overall World Cup title
Afton's Jessie Diggins prevailed Sunday in a 20-kilometer mass start freestyle in Falun, Sweden, and became the first American to win two World Cup cross-country skiing crowns.
U women's hockey ousted by Clarkson in 4 OTs in NCAA quarterfinals
Dominique Petrie scored the tying goal at 18:09 of the third to send the game to overtime. She got the winner, too, a power-play goal at 5:44 of the fourth OT.
Gophers women at Clarkson: Winner to the Frozen Four
The Gophers are 1-8 against Ohio State Wisconsin, but they're 26-1-2 against everyone else, including 9-0-2 against other ranked teams.
Gophers women's hockey reaches NCAA quarterfinal with a new formula
The Gophers have emphasized playing better in close, low-scoring games, a strategy that might help at Clarkson for a trip to the Frozen Four.
Diggins clinging to World Cup overall lead entering closing weekend
Afton native Jessie Diggins is ahead of Linn Svahn by 102 points after leading by more than 300 points in early February, and the season's final races will be held on Svahn's home snow in Falun, Sweden.
PWHL Minnesota piles up points at home by shutting out Boston
Kendall Coyne Schofield, Michela Cava, Grace Zumwinkle and Taylor Heise provided the scoring, while goaltender Nicole Hensley earned her first shutout of the season with 20 saves.
PWHL Minnesota gets a rematch against Boston at home
Rachel Blount's breakdown: After failing to score against Aerin Frankel last time, Minnesota will have to find a way. And the sooner, the better, since Boston is 5-0 when scoring first.
Gophers women's hockey will play at Clarkson to open NCAA tournament
The Gophers received the No. 5 overall seed and will advance to the Frozen Four with a victory
Wisconsin beats Ohio State at Ridder Arena for WCHA Final Faceoff title
The second-ranked Badgers got off to a hot start and built a big lead against the top-ranked Buckeyes.
Gophers face steep climb in WCHA Final Faceoff
The third-seeded Gophers need to get past rival Wisconsin in the semifinals for a chance at a WCHA Final Faceoff championship.
Hugh McCutcheon will be inducted into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame
The former Gophers volleyball coach guided the United States to two Olympic medals.
Shootout practice pays off in PWHL Minnesota's win over Ottawa
Denisa Krizova, Grace Zumwinkle and Taylor Heise scored shootout goals, and goaltender Maddie Rooney allowed only one to give Minnesota the victory.
PWHL Minnesota opens key four-game homestand vs. Ottawa
Rachel Blount's breakdown: This is the first of four consecutive home games for Minnesota, and the first three are against teams in the bottom half of the standings.
Gophers open WCHA playoffs Friday vs. MSU Mankato
Minnesota State Mankato has never beaten the Gophers in a postseason game, but the Mavericks kept it tight in all four matchups this season.
Clark lights up Williams Arena right from the start
Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark had fans in a frenzy before Wednesday's game vs. the Gophers. Then came the spellbinding first quarter.
Clark and coach bask in breaking women's basketball's 'real record'
Iowa women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder and Caitlin Clark did not want her record-setting performance to pass without paying tribute to the full history of the women's game.
PWHL Minnesota falls to Toronto for third consecutive loss
Defender Sophie Jaques scored her second goal with 21.1 seconds left in regulation to tie the score, but Sarah Nurse delivered the game-winner for Toronto with 1:12 remaining in overtime.
Red-hot Toronto set to face PWHL Minnesota at Mariucci
PWHL Minnesota is in a goal-scoring slump and faces a Toronto team that comes in riding a five-game winning streak.
Despite falls, Lee happy to be at Winter Cup after battling kidney issues
The reigning Olympic all-around champion fell on her events as she sought a spot at the upcoming World Cup, where a new skill would be named after her if she completes it.
Diggins' dream-come-true weekend ends with third-place finish in 10K
The roar that followed Jessie Diggins around the Wirth Park course was the loudest she has ever heard, part of a day made even sweeter when an American pulled a stunning upset in the men's race.
'Wall of noise' celebrates Diggins in World Cup race on home snow
Afton native Jessie Diggins finished fourth in Saturday's World Cup freestyle sprint at Theodore Wirth Park, a cross-country skiing event she lobbied for years to bring to her home state.
Fresh snow 'a gift' for organizers of Minneapolis World Cup cross-country skiing event
The 5 inches of snow that fell on Theodore Wirth Park put a smile on countless faces, including the World Cup skiers who arrived Friday to test the courses for this weekend's races.
Everything you should know about Wirth Park's World Cup skiing courses
For the first time in more than 20 years, World Cup cross-country ski races are being held in the United States. Here's what competitors and spectators can expect to see in Minneapolis this weekend.
'The only thing I wanted': Jessie Diggins turns Olympic gold into a hometown race
This weekend, cross-country star Jessie Diggins will finally ski in a World Cup event at home after lobbying for years to bring the top professional circuit back to Minnesota. This is the story of how that happened.
When world-class cross-country skiing meets climate change
Organizers of next weekend's World Cup cross-country races at Theodore Wirth Park hoped to welcome Jessie Diggins home with a classic Minnesota winter. Instead, they've gotten record warmth and precious little snow.
Diggins wins 'exciting' final event before Minneapolis World Cup race
The Olympic gold medalist won for the fifth time this season, tying the United States record.
No. 5 Gophers women's hockey set to face No. 10 St. Cloud State
Rachel Blount's breakdown: To beat the the Huskies, the Gophers will need to solve St. Cloud State's goalie tandem of Jojo Chobak and Sanni Ahola.
Minnesota native Lindwurm makes U.S. Olympic team in marathon
The runner from St. Francis, representing Minnesota Distance Elite, finished third Saturday in Orlando to claim a place at this summer's Paris Games.
PWHL Minnesota looks to stay sharp in Toronto
Minnesota, which has earned points in all four of its road games, has a great opportunity to close the first part of its schedule with a win.
![A nNrdic skier makes their way around a loop made of artificial snow Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis, Minn.. ] AARON LAVI](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/K6YJ5PYQPULS5JJK76UUTAVNBU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
World Cup cross-country ski races at Wirth Park get 'green light'
The international ski federation approved the conditions of the snow at Theodore Wirth Park for the Loppet Cup races Feb. 17-18, which are expected to feature Minnesotan star Jessie Diggins.
U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials: Broadcast information, top runners, Minnesotans to watch
The competition is Saturday in Orlando, with men and women vying for spots in the 2024 Paris Games.
Diggins picks up another World Cup win ahead of Wirth Park event
The 20k mass start victory in Switzerland is Afton native Jessie Diggins' fourth win in an individual event this season.
PWHL Minnesota vs. Montreal is clash of top two
Montreal will be looking for a little revenge Wednesday night at Xcel Energy Center.
Is the PWHL here to stay? What we've learned from the early returns.
The first two weeks have showcased a thrilling brand of hockey: speedy, physical and action-packed. And there are other indications of major-league status, including one outside the arena.
PWHL Minnesota takes first loss of season, falling 3-2 in overtime to New York
Emma Woods scored with 59 seconds left in overtime as New York overcame a 2-0 deficit at Xcel Energy Center.
With two hot goalies, Minnesota's PWHL team has options vs. New York
Rachel Blount's analysis: Alex Carpenter leads a stacked New York team, but Minnesota will look to keep riding fans' enthusiasm at Xcel Energy Center.
Heise scores twice, Minnesota tops Toronto to stay perfect in PWHL
Former Gophers star and league top draft pick Taylor Heise responded well to advice from coach Ken Klee before the game.
Taylor Heise scores twice as Minnesota beats Toronto 3-1 and improves to 3-0 in PWHL
Former Gophers star and league top draft pick Taylor Heise responded well to advice from coach Ken Klee before the game.
Olympic feeling for matchup between PWHL Minnesota and Toronto
Rachel Blount's analysis: Minnesota has six players from the 2022 U.S. Olympic team, facing Toronto's six Canadian Olympians who beat them for the gold medal.
Afton's Jessie Diggins wins second Tour de Ski title
In 2021 Diggins became the first American to win a Tour de Ski. Three years later she's repeated the feat.
Hockey math: One hat trick, one shutout victory make 13,316 PWHL fans happy
Minnesota's new pro hockey franchise opened its doors for the first time Saturday and sent a record crowd home from Xcel Energy Center part of history.
Minnesota PWHL players ready to bring their dream home in front of record crowd
Saturday's home opener at the Xcel Center is expected to be the largest to ever see a women's hockey game in Minnesota, and the league's first in an NHL arena
Minnesota vs. Montreal PWHL game preview: A new era dawns
Rachel Blount's analysis: Both teams won their season openers, but Minnesota is looking to improve in facing a loaded Montreal roster; a record home crowd will offer a boost.
Diggins secures another podium finish, sets sights on Tour de Ski title
Jessie Diggins scored a third-place finish in Thursday's 20-kilometer classic pursuit in Davos, Switzerland, solidifying her lead in the overall standings of the Tour de Ski.
After fierce finish, PWHL Minnesota holds off Boston for debut 3-2 win
Minnesota and goalie Nicole Hensley edged Boston in their PWHL season opener in Lowell, Mass., starting off a new era in women's pro hockey with a victory.
Diggins wins 20k freestyle, holds overall lead in Tour de Ski
The Afton skier overcame a tumble in warmups to win by 46.5 seconds in Italy and extend her overall lead in the seven-stage Tour de Ski
Bravest and best: Jessie Diggins is Star Tribune Sportsperson of Year
The Afton native continues to make history as America's best-ever cross-country skier. And her victories on snow are only part of her remarkable 2023.
Jessie Diggins wins for second time this World Cup season
The Olympic gold medalist from Afton recorded her 50th top-three finish on the World Cup circuit.
Gophers women shoot, defend well in second half to win at Kentucky
Mara Braun led the way with 25 points, making five of seven three-pointers, as Minnesota won its only road game of the nonconference schedule.
Gophers men's hockey can't climb out of early hole in loss to Penn State
The Nittany Lions roared to a three-goal lead and came away with the 6-3 victory, answering every time the Gophers rallied.
Gophers freshman seizes opening created by Cooley's exit
When Logan Cooley left the Gophers for the NHL, coach Bob Motzko called Edina native Jimmy Clark, who was headed back to Green Bay in the USHL.
U women's hockey vs. Bemidji State: Two teams going opposite directions
Rachel Blount's analysis: The Gophers are riding a hot streak, and Bemidji State is reeling. Anything less than a sweep would be a shock.
Gophers men's hockey vs. Penn State: Another ranked test for Minnesota
Rachel Blount's analysis: If the Gophers can exploit a suspect Penn State defense, they should pick up points again.
Coming soon to the X: Minnesota's new pro women's hockey team
The PWHL announced Tuesday that the Minnesota franchise will begin play Jan. 3 at Boston, with the home opener Jan. 6 at Xcel Energy Center.
Gophers men's hockey scores three in a row to beat Notre Dame 4-1
Rhett Pitlick got the first and last goals against the Irish, and Ryan Chesley scored the game-winner at 8 minutes, 27 seconds of the second period.
In a whirlwind, Darwitz shapes Minnesota's unnamed PWHL team
With games set to start around Jan. 1, PWHL officials acknowledge they could have waited another year. But board member Stan Kasten said they wanted to start quickly for the players' sake.
Gophers men's hockey vs. Notre Dame series preview: Info and analysis
Rachel Blount's analysis: The Gophers have lost only once in their past ten games against the Fighting Irish.
![Minnesota head coach Brad Frost talked with his players as they headed into overtime after the third period. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffle@sta](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/K5CPPKBO2QWLEYF42SBYUVXVPI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
U women's hockey vs. Minnesota Duluth series preview
Rachel Blount's analysis: Both teams have only lost to second-ranked Ohio State.
Canterbury Hall of Fame owner Lothenbach dies unexpectedly at 64
Bob Lothenbach was a five-time leading owner at Canterbury Park and earned national respect for the quality and success of his thoroughbreds.
Canterbury proposal would keep 54-day race season with 10% purse raise
Canterbury Park officials are seeking the right formula to satisfy horsemen and increase wagering after daily purses declined 21% last summer.
Meet Gophers sophomore keeping Dodge County on the hockey map
Brody Lamb, who hails from Byron, Minn., had a memorable state tournament for Dodge County in 2021 and has made big strides this season with the Gophers.
Gophers men's hockey ties Michigan 2-2, finishes weekend without defeat
Brody Lamb and Jimmy Snuggerud each scored after the Gophers had fallen behind, and the Wolverines got the shootout point.
Gophers men's hockey vs. Michigan series preview: info and analysis
Rachel Blount's analysis: Michigan is a high-powered offensive team but vulnerable if opponents can keep the score low.
Three problem areas for U men's hockey a quarter into the season
The Gophers need more offense, especially on the power play, and coach Bob Motzko wants fewer penalties.
Gophers, UMD hold moment of silence for former Bulldogs player Adam Johnson
Adam Johnson, who died at age 29 while playing in England last Saturday, played two seasons for the Bulldogs from 2015 to '17, helping them reach the 2017 Frozen Four.
U men's hockey rebounds with series-opening victory over Minnesota Duluth
After being swept last weekend by Wisconsin, the Gophers on Friday found their scoring touch and knocked off the Bulldogs 5-1.
Gophers men's hockey rebounds with series-opening victory over Minnesota Duluth
After being swept last weekend by Wisconsin, the Gophers on Friday found their scoring touch and knocked off the Bulldogs 5-1.
Gophers women's hockey vs. MSU Mankato preview: A bounce-back chance
Rachel Blount's analysis: The Mavericks are winless in six WHCA games and were shut out in three of them.