Hermantown begins postseason play Tuesday with a Section 7AA girls soccer quarterfinal at North Branch, a No. 4 vs. No. 5 seed matchup between two evenly matched teams.
The Hawks and Vikings played to a scoreless tie in the opening week of the season, a game Hermantown left frustrated after dictating the tempo but failing to score.
“We dominated possession and shots on goal but lacked the ability to put the ball in the back of the net,” Hawks coach Nathan Hanson said. “That’s something we’ve been working to correct, and the girls know it’s a fresh slate now that it’s playoff time.”
Hermantown showed flashes of control and fluid attack during the year, but injuries and narrow defeats kept the Hawks from climbing higher in the bracket.
“We had a few bumps in the road during the regular season,” Hanson said. “But the mindset is one game at a time as we look to work our way back to the section final.”
The field is loaded. Cloquet is the No. 1 seed with a first-round bye. Denfeld and Grand Rapids are positioned as top challengers, and Cloquet will face the Hermantown-North Branch winner in Thursday’s semifinal.
Hanson said the Hawks’ best chance is to lean on their veterans.
“Our senior leadership and experience will be the foundation of our postseason success,” he said. “They’ve been here before and know what it takes to move on to the next game.”
Hermantown will look for sparks from its playmakers. Hanson said senior forward Danika Bolf has the speed to stretch North Branch’s back line.
“Look for Danika to try and expose the outside of the pitch,” Hanson said.
Up front, striker Bryden Giesen will be asked to finish.
“She’s starting to find her groove and is hungry to put a few in the back of the net after North Branch held her scoreless in our first meeting,” Hanson said.
Midfielders Avea Harriman and Vienna Kolenda will be key in keeping possession.
“They’ve been crucial for us in the midfield all season,” Hanson said. “We look for them to spark our energy and keep the ball flowing from one side of the pitch to the other.”
The Hawks’ defense, tested all year against top opponents, will need to remain organized.
“North Branch is disciplined and will be a test for us,” Hanson said. “But our girls are prepared and ready for battle.”
Hermantown has been here before. The Hawks reached the section final two years ago and have been consistent semifinalists under Hanson.
“It’s about trusting each other and leaning on the girls who’ve been in these moments before,” Hanson said. “If we can stay disciplined and finish our opportunities, we’ll give ourselves a chance.”
A win Tuesday would set up a semifinal at Cloquet.