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An extended break is coming at the right time for the Vermilion Ironhawks.
Battered and a bit depleted after a bruising non-division slate, the community college women’s basketball team is licking its wounds after a rough trip to Rochester on Dec. 13.
Friday the 13th was indeed a disaster for Vermilion, which was thumped 111-17 by the Yellowjackets, the nation’s top-ranked Division III junior college team.
Vermilion, which suited up only six players, had more turnovers (39) than points (17) while falling to 2-12.
The Ironhawks were held to just two first-quarter points and Rochester (7-3) led 34-2 after the opening quarter and 57-10 at the half.
Rochester had seven players scoring in double figures, with Allana Bates notching 18 points and 12 rebounds, with Macaya Copeland and Nyomi Crushshon adding 17 points each.
Vermilion shot just 14 percent (six-for-42) from the floor, with Amyia Yunker scoring five points, with Tamia Cahee, Ny’Jai Wright and Destiny Gonzalez adding four points each.
Vermilion is looking to bolster its ranks in the second half of the season, with Northern Division play set to begin Jan. 4 at Northland.
Before division action begins, the Ironhawks will compete in a holiday tournament Dec. 30-31 at Fergus Falls.
