Sports Digest

Eagles co-op’s season ends in regionals

The third time wasn’t the charm for the Northland Pines Eagles girls hockey co-op Thursday night against Wisconsin Valley Union. 

While the Eagles cashed in on the few scoring chances they had, they didn’t generate enough of them in a 4-2 loss to Valley Union in WIAA regional play in Stevens Point. 

Northland Pines made it a game despite being outshot 45-5 in the contest. WVU’s Lily Cichy scored on an empty net with 1:06 remaining to seal the victory.

Valley Union went up 2-0 in the first period on goals by Jenna Jones and Kendall Baneck. Pines scored on a goal by Bella Now 4:02 into the second period and Cichy answered at the 11:27 mark to give WVU a 3-1 lead after two periods. 

Ella Hahn scored with 6:52 left in regulation to bring the Eagles back within a goal. 

“It was a fun game to finish on,” Eagles coach Jeff Stebbeds told the River News via email Friday.

Northland Pines freshman Lucy Now made 41 saves in the loss for the fifth-seeded Eagles, who had lost to Valley Union 6-0 and 9-4 during the regular season. 

The Eagles co-op concluded its season with a record of 4-20-0 in its second year of including skaters from Rhinelander High School within its program. There were five Rhinelander skaters on the roster at season’s end, including seniors Mia Tulowitzky and Emalee Detienne.

“This was probably one of the youngest age-appropriate teams that I have ever coached,” Stebbeds added. “We had two seniors this season, while playing teams on a consistent basis that had 10-12 seniors with large junior classes as well. However the group we had this season worked very hard for us. They always showed up, worked hard for us and had great attitudes. They all know that next season will be different with everyone being a year older and also having a large class coming in as freshmen. I wish our two seniors the best in their futures and know that they will be successful in anything they do.” 

WIAA Board of Control votes to update transgender policy

The WIAA Board of Control last Wednesday voted to update its eligibility policy to reflect recent federal guidance regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. 

“Today the WIAA Board of Control voted to update the organization’s policy regarding student-athlete eligibility — affirming its compliance with federal directives that only students designated as females at birth will be allowed to participate in girls competitions,” WIAA executive director Stephanie Hauser said in a statement released by the organization. “Working in consultation with legal counsel, our Board updated this policy to ensure clarity is provided to our membership as they work to comply with new federal guidance from the White House.”

The WIAA noted in the release that vote taken by its Board of Control, comprised of 11 school administrators from around the state, is similar in nature to actions taken recently by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).