Hermantown blitzed Duluth Denfeld 13-1 in a Lake Superior Conference game shortened to five innings by the 10-run rule on Tuesday afternoon at Dick Swanson Fields in West Duluth.
Violet Kalm belted a two-run home run and recorded four RBIs, and Avery Beranek scattered two hits for the pitching victory for the Class 3A, Section 7 Hawks (3-2, 1-0 LSC).
“I thought we competed really hard today,” said Beranek, who also contributed a pair of hits. “We came out focused, made adjustments at the plate and our defense was sharp. We looked really good.”
Hermantown looked the part of a team starting to settle in after a choppy opening stretch.
Hermantown’s early résumé includes wins over North Branch, 19-4, and Chisago Lakes, 6-4, along with a one-run loss to Cloquet, 8-7.
“We hit the ball pretty well today, so it was a good day. We’re having fun,” said legendary Hawks coach Michelle Sweeney. “I feel like we’re pretty balanced throughout the lineup. We’ve got kids who can step in different spots and produce.”
Byden Geisen, a junior shortstop and multi-year starter who fields like she was born with a glove on her left hand, said Beranek’s presence simplified everything behind her.
“Avery was great, both pitching and hitting,” Geisen said. “We didn’t have to work very hard in the field, which is always great. She makes the game easier.”
Meanwhile, the personable Beranek said the pieces are starting to fit as the schedule tightens.
“I think we’re really connecting,” she said. “We’re starting to get into a rhythm, especially with a lot of games coming up. I feel more confident this year, and I know I have a great team behind me.”
Geisen pointed to the roster’s youth as an early-season storyline that’s quickly turning into a strength.
“We’re pretty young, but the younger kids have stepped up,” she said. “They’ve come in, put in the work, and competed. They’ve surprised me with how well they’ve played, both hitting and defense.”
The Hawks’ roster reflects that blend of experience and emerging contributors. Beranek anchors the pitching staff alongside Lydia Benney and Lyla Benney, with Abigail Noldin adding depth in the circle.
Olivia Besserud and Kalm handle catching duties, while the infield features Geisen at shortstop, Rylee Knight at third base and Kenzie Zagelmeyer at first.
Jillian Ritsche provides versatility between the outfield and third base, and Evie Nelson, Carlin Carlson and Tessa Sibell Scheppy round out a young but active outfield group.
Hermantown returns to action Thursday at home against Grand Rapids before a busy home stretch against Superior on Monday, Proctor on Tuesday and Greenway on Wednesday, all 4:30 p.m. starts.
“I think we have a shot at going after the conference title,” Sweeney said. “Rock Ridge will be a challenge, and the section is wide open. Cloquet is always tough, but I think we’re right there.”
“It’s nice to finally be out here consistently,” Beranek said. “We’re starting to get into it.”