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The Vermilion Ironhawks got two games in last weekend, but their Northern Division debut was a rough one.
Rainy River downed Vermilion 19-0 and 23-3 in a doubleheader played at Blaine’s National Sports Center.
In an effort to beat the always difficult April weather, community college softball teams have opted to play one or more conference doubleheaders indoors to get a jump start on the 2024 campaign.
Vermilion, which fell to 0-6 overall, is going through some growing pains with a revamped roster.
“We are a young team, with many players getting back into action for the first time in many years, so yes we are going to have some frustrating situations,” said Vermilion Head Coach Aaron Bender. “However, these girls are out there battling and working hard everyday, for that I am extremely proud.”
Josie Anderson took the loss on the mound going all five innings, striking out two and yielding only nine earned runs.
“We have to make plays,” said Bender. “We cannot afford to give any team extra outs, our opponents will find a way to capitalize on that.”
Hannah Simchak had Vermilion’s only hit in the opening game.
The second game was just as difficult for Vermilion, and decided in five innings, although the bats started to liven up a big.
Simchak had a hit and hit two runs batted in, while Lily Luzovich doubled and scored twice.
Libby Korpi chipped in with two hits for the Ironhawks and Anderson had a hit with a run batted in.
Kyla Berger did the pitching for Vermilion, but just struggled to find the strike zone.
“Our pitchers have been working hard, but sometimes things just are not working,” said Bender. “ I will take the blame for leaving Kyla in too long, but I wanted to see her work through it, so that we can count on her later in the year.”
The softball team will travel to Rochester Friday and Saturday to take on some MCAC South opponents, Riverland, Minnesota West and St. Cloud, and league play is slated to resume April 6 with a doubleheader against Hibbing, at a site yet to be determined.
