Joel Rippel
News Assistant
Joel Rippel writes about sports for the Star Tribune.
Latest from Joel Rippel
Gophers volleyball swept by Pittsburgh in NCAA regional semifinals
The Gophers played the final two sets tight in their first Sweet 16 since 2022, but they couldn’t get past the Panthers.
December 12, 2025
Bethel takes on North Central in D-III football quarterfinals
The Royals, who are coming off a victory over Wisconsin-Platteville, are facing an opponent that is also 12-0 and has played in the past five title games.
December 11, 2025
Joan Sandvig Peterson, pioneer in Minnesota speedskating, had it ‘in her blood’
Peterson, an outstanding skater and volunteer for the Olympics, died in November at age 90.
December 11, 2025
No. 6 Purdue pulls away in second half to crush Gophers
The Boilermakers led by only three points at halftime Wednesday but scored the first 21 points of the second half to take control.
December 11, 2025
Concordia (St. Paul) volleyball headed to D-II quarterfinals
The Golden Bears, who are vying for a record 10th national championship, will take on Gannon on Thursday at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.
December 10, 2025
U women’s basketball blows nine-point lead in final minute of double OT vs. No. 7 Maryland
The Terrapins used three steals, three layups and four free throws to complete a 10-0 run to close the game, denying the Gophers an upset at Williams Arena.
December 8, 2025
U volleyball sweeps Iowa State, advances to Sweet 16 vs. Pitt
Julia Hanson dominated with 23 kills as the Gophers made it back-to-back wins at Maturi Pavilion to open the NCAA tournament.
December 7, 2025
Illinois State stuns No. 1 NDSU in second round of FCS playoffs
The defending national champion Bison gave up two touchdowns and a two-point conversion in the final three minutes and lost despite intercepting the Redbirds five times.
December 7, 2025
Area college football: Bethel advances to Division III quarterfinals for second year in a row
Minnesota State Mankato lost to defending Division II champion Ferris State.
December 7, 2025
Gophers women’s hockey heads into month-long break following sweep of St. Thomas
Jamie Nelson had a goal and two assists and Madison Kaiser had a goal and an assist for the Gophers.
December 6, 2025
Gophers women’s hockey tops St. Thomas thanks to two late goals
Sydney Morrow and Josefin Bouveng scored in the final three minutes to defeat the Tommies 5-3 on Friday at Lee & Penny Anderson Arena.
December 6, 2025
Minnesota State Mankato to face reigning champs in Division II playoffs
The Mavericks, who are traveling to play Ferris State in Big Rapids, Mich., on Saturday, are one of several local schools with key postseason games this weekend.
December 6, 2025
