Hermantown is arguably one of the best sub-.500 softball teams in Minnesota.
At 1-2 in a slow-starting season due to unseasonably cold and wet weather, the Hawks showed their elite chops in a nonconference win over Bemidji and in a 5-3 loss at ultra-elite Superior. It’s still early in the season, so nobody in the Hermantown dugout is panicking. Nor should they be.
“We played really well against Superior,” said Hawks coach Michelle Sweeney. “We did a lot of good things: got buts down, good situational hitting, and solid pitching/defense.”
The Hawks feature elite sophomore pitcher Avery Beranek and senior catcher Mikayla Sweeney, a probable All-Lake Superior Conference selection. Super-sophomore shortstop Bryden Giesen plays defense like she was born with a glove on her left hand.
“We have hit the ball pretty well 1-9 and produced a lot of runs,” said Michelle Sweeney.
Hermantown’s Lake Superior Conference home game against Duluth Denfeld on Monday was postponed due to wet field conditions.
“The weather is always a problem, but we have to focus on what we can control and keep doing what we need to do to get better every day,” said Sweeney. “We go back up to Grand Rapids on Thursday and have Esko at home on Friday.”
Hermantown’s Nos. 1 and 2 singles players, Preston McClimek and Evan Flynn, are setting the tone for the team with solid performances this spring, Hawks tennis coach Jessica Worden said.
“So far, we secured a win over Stella (Maris Academy) and faced a tough loss against Duluth East,” said Worden. “Due to a wet and snowy spring, the schedule ahead is packed, with at least four matches slated each week for the remainder of the season.”
Last week’s match against Cloquet was an intense battle, ending in a 3-3 tie before being suspended due to rain. The deciding match -- No. 1 doubles -- will resume next week in Cloquet. Zach Shingler and Jace Christy lost the first set 3-6 but currently lead 4-3 in the second set as they look to clinch the team win.
“Across the board, our athletes are competing at a high level and pushing their opponents at every position,” said Worden. “With strong momentum and determination, we’re looking forward to making a run for the conference championship this season.”
Defenseman Neal Pionk of Hermantown has signed a six-year, $7.0 million AAV contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets, The Athletic's Murat Ates is reporting. Former Hawks standout Dylan Samberg is Pionk’s top-four playing partner with the Jets. Samberg is also due a big raise after this season, and likely will command a similar contract with an even longer term for his second contract.
Psst: Look for Hawks junior running back Martin Sleen to have an MVP-level season next fall, with a growing number of college scouts watching in the stands.