Ashley Pafko, a freshman from Blaine, scored in the 81st minute to give the Gophers a 2-1 victory over Louisiana State on Friday in the Minnesota Gold Classic women's soccer tournament.

Sophomore forward Haley Helverson gave the Gophers (5-0) a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute at Robbie Stadium in Falcon Heights, but Jodi Calloway of LSU countered in the 31st minute on a shot that caromed off another player.

No. 4 team rolls on

The No. 4-rated Gophers women's volleyball team routed Ball State 25-18, 25-17, 25-12 on the first day of the Diet Coke Classic at the Sports Pavilion. Tori Dixon had 15 kills and Ashley Wittman 13 for Minnesota (5-0) in its home opener. Alexandra Palmer had 35 assists and tied Wittman in digs with 10.

Wolves hire GM

Milt Newton, who has spent the past 10 seasons in the Washington Wizards' front office, was hired Friday as Timberwolves general manager. Newton will assist Flip Saunders, Wolves president of basketball operations, in the evaluation and acquisition of players. Saunders, a former Wizards coach, said he has "always been impressed with [Newton's] basketball knowledge, work ethic and professionalism.''

Etc.

• The Minnesota Wild lost 3-2 in overtime to the St. Louis Blues in the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Mich. Carter Sandlak and Raphael Bussieres scored power-play goals in the third period for the Wild.

• Seniors Steve Sulkin and Laura Docherty finished first in the men's and women's races at the Oz Memorial Run, leading the Gophers' cross-country teams to easy home wins in their season-opening meet.