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A bigger roster and more depth are increasing optimism in Vermilion’s volleyball program.
The Ironhawks dropped their 2024 regular season debut Wednesday, falling in three sets to Rainy River in a community college Northern Division encounter at International Falls.
But the Ironhawks could be poised to rise in the division after struggling a year ago.
Coach Aaron Bender has an 11-player roster, with only one sophomore.
“We’re returning one sophomore and all the rest are freshmen, and we’re getting a little bit later start than some of these other teams,” said Bender. “But I thought as a whole we got better as we went along.”
Vermilion, which got eight set assists, two kills and two ace serves from former Ely Timberwolf Aubree Gerlovich, was competitive for much of the night.
“If we don’t pass the ball off the serve we’re in trouble, and when we did, we did well and that allowed us to stay in games,” said Bender. “We had leads at various times in all three sets.”
Isabelle Mattson, a freshman from Mt. Iron-Buhl, added three kills and 1.5 blocks for Vermilion and sophomore Tatiana Whiting recorded three kills.
Also finishing with three kills was freshman Keara Butterfield.
“When we passed, our offense wasn’t bad, but our missed serves were rough,” said Bender. “There were a lot of jitters there.”
The Ironhawks had two “home” games over the weekend at Virginia, taking on both Northland (Friday) and Alexandria (Saturday) at Mesabi. Those two teams were set to come to Ely next weekend, but because of a scheduling mix-up, both traveled to Virginia this weekend to take on Mesabi.
That means the Ironhawks will be road warriors of sorts to start the season. Their first games in Ely won’t be until Sept. 21, when Mesabi and Lake Region (N.D.) are here for a triangular event.
