VCC softball returns to action

After several weeks off, the Vermilion Ironhawks return to the field this week - under the cover of a roof.

Minnesota College Athletic Conference Northern Division begins Saturday for the community college softball team, at Blaine’s National Sports Center.

The Ironhawks face Rainy River in a Saturday twinbill set for 2 p.m., and local rival Mesabi is the opponent in Sunday’s 4 p.m. doubleheader.

After losing numerous contests to poor weather conditions in recent seasons, MCAC coaches agreed to schedule the start of conference play at domed facilities, and Blaine is the destination for the teams in the Northern Division.

Vermilion will look to be more competitive against division foes after struggling in a late-February trip to Rochester, in games against four-year school junior varsity teams as well as a couple of high-powered junior colleges.

The Ironhawks scored only four runs in four games, all of which were decided by 10 runs or more at the Rochester Early Bird Tournament.

Vermilion has two new pitchers in the circle this spring- Josie Andrson and Kyla Berger.

The Ironhawks will look to raise a team batting average that was .178 after the opening series, although sophomore Makenzie Drache hit .400 (four-for-10) with two runs batted in and Anderson went three-for-10 to come in at .300.

Vermilion is set to make its home debut on Saturday, April 6, against Hibbing.