Staff Directory 6370593

Brian Stensaas

Digital editor, producer, reporter | Sports
Phone: 612-673-4127

Brian Stensaas has been with the Star Tribune since 2004. He is a digital editor and sports reporter, with experience covering high schools, the NHL, NBA and professional golf.


A native of Stoughton, Wis., Stensaas graduated with a degree in communications from the University of Minnesota where he covered a variety of Gophers sports teams for the Minnesota Daily. He lives in Apple Valley with his wife and daughter.
Recent content from Brian Stensaas

Saturday's prep sports results

Scores and results from around the metro.

Saturday's prep sports results

Scores and results from around the metro.

Saturday's prep sports results

Scores and results from around the metro.

Friday's prep sports results

Scores and results from around the metro.

Saturday's prep sports results

Scores and results from around the metro.
Beau Hossler teed off on the 18th hole Sunday in the final round of the 3M Open in Blaine. Hossler made par to shoot 62 and tie the tournament record.

Hossler's record-tying Sunday 62 not nearly enough at ultra-low 3M Open

Still in search of his first PGA Tour win, Beau Hossler scorched TPC Twin Cities for eight birdies in a row and a record-tying 62 on Sunday that still left him well out of the lead.
Frankie Capan III stands with his mom and caddie, Charlynn, while preparing to tee off on the 14th hole during the third round of the 3M Open on Satur

Stillwater's Capan regrets missed opportunities in Round 3 of 3M Open

A long-range bogey putt thrilled those following Frankie Capan III on Saturday, but the 23-year-old was most upset with the shots that followed.
Erik van Rooyen, left, and Alex Gaugert reflected on their two rounds together at the 3M Open in Blaine. Gaugert’s daughter, Annika, was along for t

'It was a dream': van Rooyen, Gaugert complete surreal week at 3M Open

They will not be around for the weekend but regardless, the experiences PGA Tour pro Erik van Rooyen and usual caddie Alex Gaugert had will not be forgotten.
Fans found a large tree for shade as they watched golfers make their way on the 18th fairway Thursday at the 3M Open in Blaine.

Thomas, 3M Open field see high temperatures, wind, weather delay

Justin Thomas shot a 69 and said "it felt like a blow-dryer out there" at TPC Twin Cities.
Last year's 3M Open champion Tony Finau addressed the media prior to this year's tournament.

Finau shoots 30 on opening nine at 3M Open, but quickly gets passed

A 49-foot eagle putt was part of an opening-nine 6-under-par 30 start for defending champion Tony Finau, but he trailed the morning-round leaders after 18 holes.
Kathryn VanArragon won the Minnesota Women’s Amateur on Wednesday afternoon and on Thursday morning was at TPC Twin Cities to watch brother Caleb pl

Pride beams bright for Blaine's VanArragons at 3M Open

Caleb VanArragon earned a spot in the 3M Open thanks to his record-setting performances in the Minnesota Men's Amateur and State Open. Sister Kathryn was there to cheer him on fresh off a big win of her own.
A large gallery watched action on the 18th hole during the final day of last year's 3M Open at the Tournament Players Club in Blaine.

3M Open starts: Everything you need to know, and players to watch

The fifth edition of the 3M Open gets underway at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. Here's how you can see the action in person or on TV — and who some of the top players are in the field.
Sepp Straka played in the pro-am event Wednesday for the 3M Open at the TPC Twin Cities.

Straka could be 3M Open favorite after taking second at British Open

Sepp Straka, a native of Austria, seems likely to be on Europe's Ryder Cup team and comes to the TPC Twin Cities on a roll.
Thomas Lehman, son of 1996 British Open champion and Minnesota native Tom Lehman, will make his PGA Tour debut Thursday at the 3M Open in Blaine,

Thomas Lehman relishes chance at 3M Open on Dad's course

Thomas Lehman, son of Minnesota's major-winning golf icon Tom Lehman, earned a sponsor's exemption into this week's 3M Open. The elder Lehman had a hand in the course' design and re-design.
Fans cheered on players during the 2021 3M Open at the TPC Twin Cities in Blaine.

3M Open at a glance

General admission tickets for play on Thursday through Sunday are $65.
From left, Twins players Luis Arraez, Jorge Polanco, Joe Ryan, Byron Buxton and Jose Mirana pose for a photo in their new uniforms after a reveal Frid

Twins seek new look — with ties to past — in major uniform makeover

Saying the new look is "inspired by the past" and "built for the future" the Twins rolled out a baseball diamond shaped catwalk to unveil the fresh design. It's the first major overhaul of the team's uniform since 1987.
Twins pitcher Tyler Mahle exits the game with head athletic trainer Michael Salazar during the third inning Wednesday

Twins to be cautious, place Mahle on IL

Tyler Mahle, who left Wednesday's start because of shoulder fatigue, says he feels no pain in his throwing shoulder, but the Twins are worried about recurrence.
Juli Inkster won last year’s Land O’Lakes Legends Classic tournament at The Meadows at Mystic Lake.

Inkster defends title in Land O'Lakes Legends Classic

The event will be played Saturday at Sunday at The Meadows at Mystic Lake in Prior Lake.
Scott Piercy takes a shot from the sand on the first hole during the final day of the 3M Open Sunday, July 24, 2022 at the Tournament Players Club in

Notes, quotes and highlights: Day 4 at the 3M Open

Troy Merritt made happy memories in his return to the Twin Cities, albeit not with his miserable putting.
Fans sat and stood along the course after a rain delay was announced during the third round of the 3M Open.

Piercy conquers weather, takes four-shot lead into 3M Open final round

Seventy-four fellow golf professionals, Mother Nature and a nagging blister. All tried to hold Scott Piercy back Saturday at the 3M Open in Blaine.
Tony Finau followed through on an approach shot at No. 9 Friday at the 3M Open at the TPC Twin Cities.

Notes, quotes and highlights: Day 2 at the 3M Open

Danny Willett, a former Masters champion, shot a 5-under 66 and is in good position for a top-10 finish.
Michael Thompson, the 2020 3M Open champ, brought a new look to Blaine this year.

3M moments: Matusyama takes 9 (and quits), ex-champ has new look

Updates from around the TPC Twin Cities course, including notes on Emiliano Grillo, Troy Merritt, Jeff Overton and 2020 winner Michael Thompson.
Paul Goydos won the 3M Championship in a one-hole play off against Gene Sauers at Tournament Players Club Twin Cities on Aug. 6, 2017 in Blaine.

Short-hitting 3M Open alternate Goydos knows how to win in Blaine

Paul Goydos, now 58, says he will be fine if he can make some putts this week at the 3M Open. He won the 3M Championship in 2017 with 33 putts over a 30-hole stretch.
20-year-old Tom Kim has been given a special temporary PGA Tour membership for the rest of the season, and has a shot at earning enough points for ful

At 20, rising star Kim could make a splash at the 3M Open

The South Korean standout is fresh off competing at the British Open.
Jason Day, formerly the No. 1 ranked player in the world, is returning to the tournament circuit after a four-week absence.

3M Open: Five top players and local golfers to watch

The field includes last year's Masters champion, a member of the most recent U.S. Ryder Cip team and a former No. 1 golfer in the world rankings.
Fans cheered on players during the 2021 3M Open at the TPC Twin Cities.

What you should know about 3M Open this week in Blaine

The PGA Tour event runs from Thursday through Sunday at the TPC Twin Cities.
Cameron Champ takes a shot from the rough at the 18th hole during the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities on Sunday, July 25, 2021 in Blaine. ] ANTRANIK TAVITI

3M Open preview: How to watch, in person and at home

The 2022 3M Open in Blaine begins on Thursday, but events start two days before.
Hollis Cavner greeted Matthew Wolff after Wolff won the 3M Open in 2019.  There will be no reunion this year after Wolff joined the LIV tour.

3M Open head rips players leaving PGA Tour, calls Saudi Golf 'a pain'

Hollis Cavner, executive director of next month's 3M Open in Blaine, said almost all the players leaving the PGA Tour are 'at the end of their career or never had a career.'

Aurora FC stays unbeaten with 3-1 win over Chicago City

The Minnesota Aurora FC defeated Chicago City SC 3-1 at TCO Stadium in the USL W League to stay unbeaten in the first of three straight games between the two teams.

3M Open final round recap

Notes, quotes and anecdotes from Sunday at TPC Twin Cities.
Austin Eckroat greets the crowd on his way to the green at the 18th hole during the final round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities. Eckroat, playing in

3M Open again attracts some of Oklahoma State's best

Two years after Matthew Wolff won and Viktor Hovland performed well at the 3M Open as sponsor exemptions, Austin Eckroat tied for 16th in only his fourth pro event.
Patrick Reed, playing the eighth hole during the Sunday's final round at the 3M Open in Blaine was called up to participate in the Olympics.

After unexpected call at 3M Open, 'Captain America' heads to Olympics

Patrick Reed became a last-minute replacement after Bryson DeChambeau tested positive for COVID-19 prior to competition in Tokyo.
Camilo Villegas hits from the rough at the 18th hole during the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities on Thursday, July 23, 2021 in Blaine. ] ANTRANIK TAVITIAN �

Day 3 at the 3M Open: Notes, quotes and anecdotes

The 18th hole played to the highest par-5 average to par on the PGA Tour this season.
Keith Mitchell missed his putt at the 18th hole during the third round of the 3M Open. He had birdied seven of the previous eight holes.

Mitchell's birdie streak at 3M Open ties PGA Tour record

Keith Mitchell made seven birdies in a row to begin his third round at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, a mark just three other PGA Tour players have reached.
Grayson Murray celebrates after making a putt for birdie on the 14th green during the final round of the 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational.

After withdrawing from 3M Open, Murray tweets PGA Tour is 'absolutely awful'

Hours after pulling out of the tournament in Blaine citing a knee injury, Grayson Murray took to his verified Twitter account to bash the PGA Tour saying it does not help players.
Second round coverage of the 3M Open - Dustin Johnson hits his second chip shot out of the bunker just off the 9th green.

Day 2 at the 3M Open: Notes, quotes and anecdotes

Looking for Dustin Johnson this weekend? Don't bother looking at TPC Twin Cities.
Louis Oosthuizen chipped on to the ninth green Friday at the 3M Open.

Kuchar, Fowler fondly recall 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

All four of the U.S. men's golf Olympians from 2016 played this week at the 3M Open in Blaine.
Chez Reavie sinks a putt on the 18th green to end his second round at 9-under-par after two days.

Four-way tie for lead midway through second round of 3M Open

If the morning wave is any indication, players the rest of Friday are going to enjoy a birdie-fest at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine.
Adam Schenk watched his tee shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the 3M Open in Blaine.

Opening day at the 3M Open: Notes, quotes and anecdotes

Adam Schenk was among those players who can't complain at all after the first round.
Fans gathered in a tunnel during a weather delay during the first round of the 3M Open in Blaine.

U.S. Ryder Cup captain Stricker scouts, plays at 3M Open

Steve Stricker has six captain's picks to make before September's Ryder Cup.
A weather delay was announced during Thursday’s first round of the 3M Open in Blaine.

3M Open resumes in Blaine with low scores following lightning delay

Scott Stallings, a three-time PGA Tour winner, made three birdies in a row on holes 5-7 then rolled in four more on Nos. 10-13 and led the field at 8-under through 17 holes.
Rickie Fowler teed off on the first hole during a pro-am Wednesday afternoon at the 3M Open in Blaine.

Fowler tees off at 3M Open seeking Fed Ex Cup playoffs spot

At age 32, fan favorite Rickie Fowler is on the cut line for the PGA Tour playoffs, which he has never missed as a full-time professional.
Matthew Wolff teed off from the eighth hole during Round 3 of the 2019 3M Open in Blaine. He wound up winning the tournament, and is back again after

Fans are back and so is some major talent: 3M Open is on for Year 3 in Blaine

A year after crowing a champion in front of no spectators, the 3M Open returns to action this week at TPC Twin Cities. There is plenty for fans to see.
State golf roundup: Two tied for lead after Round 1 in girls' Class 3A

State golf roundup: Two tied for lead after Round 1 in girls' Class 3A

Simley's Reese McCauley and Roseville's Olivia Salonek each shot 2-under 70s.
Prior Lake’s Justin Simonson (5) scored three goals, including the game-winner in overtime, against Edina in the Section 6 championship game. The La

Simonson completes hat trick in overtime, leads Prior Lake boys' lacrosse to Section 6 title

The Lakers' Justin Simonson had three goals against Edina, clinching his team a state tournament berth with the victory.
Prior Lake’s Mackenzie Salentre (21) scored four goals against Edina Thursday evening. The Lakers advanced to next week’s state tournament with an

Prior Lake girls' lacrosse scores eight times in second half to stun Edina

The Lakers came back from a two-goal deficit at halftime with seven unanswered goals in the second half to advance to the state tournament.
Centennial softball completes comeback against Maple Grove, advances to state

Centennial softball completes comeback against Maple Grove, advances to state

The Cougars were down by two runs in the seventh inning but rallied to top the Crimson in eight.
Park of Cottage Grove pitcher Conor Mestemacher (18) struck out three batters and scattered seven hits against Eagan in the first game of the Class 4A

Park of Cottage Grove baseball beats Eagan (twice) to advance to Class 4A state tournament

The Section 3 winners emerged from the losers' bracket to make their first state tourney since 1993.
Chanhassen boys' lacrosse holds on to beat Shakopee

Chanhassen boys' lacrosse holds on to beat Shakopee

The Storm were up early, but the Sabers made it a close score in the final minutes of the game.
Lakeville South’s Emily Moes (11) scored a game-high seven goals in a non-conference matchup against Blake Friday evening. The Cougars defeated the

Lakeville South girls hold off Blake to cap regular season

Emily Moes recorded a game-high seven goals in the Cougars' victory.
Bloomington Jefferson at Blake. May 27, 2021 Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner

Bloomington Jefferson boys' lacrosse tames Blake, shines on the power play

The Bears, averaging 15 goals per game this season, scored just three times while the Jaguars took advantage of a litany of Bears penalties.
Park of Cottage Grove escapes Hastings with seventh-inning score

Park of Cottage Grove escapes Hastings with seventh-inning score

Senior Ben Johnson's sacrifice fly in the seventh inning led the Wolfpack to a narrow victory over the Raiders.
Centennial softball takes Northwest Suburban Conference crown over Elk River

Centennial softball takes Northwest Suburban Conference crown over Elk River

The Cougars needed one offensive outburst to propel themselves over the Elks on Tuesday.
Benilde-St. Margaret’s Sophie Melsness belts a solo home run against St. Anthony Tuesday evening. Melsness scored all three of the Red Knights’ ru

Benilde-St. Margaret's softball hands St. Anthony its first loss

Sophie Melsness worked her magic in scoring each run for the Red Knights to down the Huskies.
Blake sophomore Ellie Morrison (in white) tries to elude Eden Prairie’s Ellie Pearson during the second half of Thursday night’s game. Morrison ha

Lee, Morrison combine for 10 goals to power Blake girls' lacrosse past Eden Prairie

Erin Lee and Ellie Morrison each had five goals, helping the Bears to their sixth consecutive victory.
Shakopee boys' lacrosse hands Rosemount its fourth loss

Shakopee boys' lacrosse hands Rosemount its fourth loss

The Sabers methodically moved through the game to beat the Irish on a rainy evening.
Maple Grove baseball breaks stalemate in walk-off over Champlin Park

Maple Grove baseball breaks stalemate in walk-off over Champlin Park

Hunter Gerber took advantage for the Crimson with the bases loaded in the seventh to beat the Rebels.
Forest Lake softball stays hot with win over Woodbury

Forest Lake softball stays hot with win over Woodbury

Logan Anderson recorded three hits, including a two-run home run, to help lead the Rangers to their seventh consecutive win.
Girls' lacrosse: Early push from Edina holds off Minnetonka

Girls' lacrosse: Early push from Edina holds off Minnetonka

The Hornets used a nine-goal first half to gain some space on the Skippers en route to a victory.
Prior Lake’s Harry Fleek (5) delivers a two-run double in the bottom of the first inning against Belle Plaine Saturday. The Lakers defeated the Tige

Prior Lake strikes for six runs in first two innings, defeats Belle Plaine

Lance Goeschel led the way for the Lakers at the plate, going 3-for-3, coming up a home run shy of the cycle.
Consecutive home runs lift White Bear Lake softball past Cretin-Derham Hall

Consecutive home runs lift White Bear Lake softball past Cretin-Derham Hall

Sisters Heidi and Chloe Barber broke a 2-2 tie with a pair of home runs to help the Bears defeat the Raiders.
Anderson's hat trick propels Stillwater boys' lacrosse past Cretin-Derham Hall

Anderson's hat trick propels Stillwater boys' lacrosse past Cretin-Derham Hall

The Ponies' Aidan Anderson scored three times, including the game-winner in the fourth quarter.
Chanhassen at Benilde-St. Margaret’s May 04, 2021 Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

Girls' lacrosse: Chanhassen turns back slow start to beat Benilde-St. Margaret's

After falling behind 2-0, the Storm rattled off 11 goals to finish the first half with a commanding lead over the Red Knights.
Stillwater softball edges East Ridge to remain unbeaten

Stillwater softball edges East Ridge to remain unbeaten

Cat Smetana hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to push the Ponies past the Raptors in a Suburban East Conference matchup.
Minnetonka at Eden Prairie. April 27, 2021 Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

Boys' lacrosse: Minnetonka's late scoring surge puts away Eden Prairie

The Skippers had seven goals in the second half to run away with a victory over the Eagles.
Baseball: Argento  leads Wayzata to victory over Minnetonka

Baseball: Argento leads Wayzata to victory over Minnetonka

Nick Argento allowed just one run and struck out nine batters, helping the Trojans secure a 4-1 win over Minnetonka
Girls' lacrosse: Henry Sibley/Gentry Academy beats Hermantown/Proctor

Girls' lacrosse: Henry Sibley/Gentry Academy beats Hermantown/Proctor

The Warriors used an 18-goal first half to build a comfortable lead over the Stealth on Friday.
Prior Lake boys' lacrosse hangs on to top Lakeville North

Prior Lake boys' lacrosse hangs on to top Lakeville North

Ben Mickett scored twice for the Lakers in the victory.
Robbinsdale Armstrong at Robbinsdale Cooper April 16, 2021 Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

Girls' lacrosse: Armstrong puts up 12 goals before halftime, routs rival Cooper

The Falcons flew to their first win of the season with six players scoring two goals apiece.
Pitchers' duel ends with Chanhassen victory over Northfield

Pitchers' duel ends with Chanhassen victory over Northfield

The Storm capitalized in extra innings to beat the Raiders 1-0.
Gentry Academy forward Barrett Hall (15) took a shot on goal while being defended by Dodge County defender James McPeak (20) in the second period. ]

Boys' hockey: 1A finalists bucked trend as first-year entries

Gentry Academy and Dodge County had atypical success in reaching the title game in their first state tournament appearance.
Proctor/Hermantown players swarmed senior forward Alyssa Watkins (22) after she scored the game winning goal in double overtime. ]

Girls' hockey notes: Proctor/Hermantown just fifth public school 1A champ

Notes, quotes and anecdotes from the last day of the girls' state hockey tournament.
Eden Prairie forward Carter Batchelder (11) scored the winning goal on Maple Grove goaltender Jack Wieneke (1) during overtime. ] LEILA NAVIDI • lei

Eden Prairie punches last, knocks out Maple Grove 6-5 in overtime

The back-and-forth game featured a wild third period with the teams scoring four goals in 99 seconds.
Community hockey alive and well in small-town Minnesota

Community hockey alive and well in small-town Minnesota

Little Falls and Dodge County offer examples of kids forming deep bonds starting when they were old enough to skate.
Day 2 boys' hockey All-Tournament Team

Day 2 boys' hockey All-Tournament Team

Eden Prairie, Lakeville South and Maple Grove each have two players listed among those who excelled in Class 2A quarterfinals.