Hermantown vs. Esko
4:30 p.m., Monday, April 10

Esko reached the Class 2A state tournament last season for the first time since 2007 and finished with a 16-7 record. This year, the Eskomos (2-0) started with impressive victories over Pine City (15-0 on April 4) and Silver Bay (10-0 on April 7).

Against Silver Bay, Hannah Stark and Davri Horvath hit home runs for the Esko. Stark drove in three runs and Horvath had two RBI. Emilee Wilson gave up just one hit in five innings and struck out nine with one walk.

Hermantown owns 22 state tournament appearances and made its fourth consecutive trip last season after moving into Class 3A. The Hawks finished third after beating Benilde-St. Margaret’s 18-6 in six innings.

The offense should be there for Hermantown, as much of the lineup returns after tallying 21 hits against the Red Knights and finishing with 42 hits in the tournament to set a pair of state-tournament records.

Minnesota-Duluth recruit Jordyn Thomas will lead those returners after hitting .481 last season with 32 RBI and seven home runs. Also back are Kailey Mihalik, who hit .475 and scored 26 runs, and Taylor Vold, who hit .388 with 20 RBI.