Sports Notebook

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Generally speaking, successful high school softball teams are strong up the middle of the defense, and feature quality catching and pitching, steady, sure-handed play at second base and shortstop, and rely on a centerfielder with speed and a strong throwing arm. Hermantown has skill and experienced players at these positions this spring.

“I think this will be an exciting team to watch and will be a section (Class 3A, Section 7) contender,” Hawks coach Michelle Sweeney predicted on Friday morning. “I think this will be an exciting team to watch and will be a section contender.”

Hermantown, which finished 4-11 a year ago, opens the season April 8 at home against Duluth Marshall.

The Hawks’ preseason preparation included scrimmages at Eden Prairie Dome on Saturday, March 22.

“It was a great opportunity to see some live pitching and work on things that are difficult to work on in the gym,” said Sweeney. “We were happy with how the girls played, and learned what we need to spend some more time on.

“I think we have a great balance between solid senior leadership and young talent. Seniors include Mikayla Sweeney, Claire Kaups, Hope Kohanski, Izzy Wojtysiak, Ella Schulz and Norah Gunerson. We will have a strong battery with Avery Beranek and Mikayla Sweeney. We will also be strong up the middle with Bryden Giesen at shortstop and Jillian Ritsche in centerfield. We also have some young talent that will provide a spark throughout the lineup and will be key to our success.”

Perhaps best of all, Sweeney said “this group of young women are a pleasure to coach.”

“They are coachable and working hard in practice, and eager to keep getting better,” said Sweeney. “Within our conference, Superior, Proctor and Cloquet will be good again and Chisago Lakes and Cloquet will be tough section competitors.” 

2025 Hawks Softball Schedule

Tuesday, April 8 – host Duluth Marshall, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, April 14 – host Greenway, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 15 – at Superior, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 17 – at Cloquet, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 19 – vs. Grand Rapids and Bemidji at Grand Rapids, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, April 22 – host Duluth Denfeld, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 24 – at Grand Rapids, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, April 25 – host Esko, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 29 – at Proctor, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, May 2 – at North Branch, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 3 – at Andover Tournament, TBA

Tuesday, May 6 – host Rock Ridge, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 10 – at tournament, Central Park TBA

Monday, May 12 – host Grand Rapids, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 13 – at Hibbing, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 14 – host Duluth East, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, May 16 – at Chisago Lakes, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 20, 22, 27, 29 – Section 7AAA playoffs, TBA