Hermantown has been a softball force for more than two decades under coach Tom Bang, who has guided the program to 23 state tournament appearances. The Hawks are expected to excel this season, but winning Class 3A, Section 7 may prove to be difficult thanks to an emerging North Branch squad, making Saturday's showdown one to watch.
Hermantown is coming off a runner-up finish in the Class 3A state tournament, but the team graduated some players key to that success, including first baseman Jordyn Thomas and infielder Kailey Mihalik.
Thankfully for the Hawks, Mihalik's younger sister, Hannah Mihalik, returns. The junior had 33 RBI and hit .413 in the regular season and capped the year by tying a state record with 10 RBI during the state tournament.
This game will be a test for the Vikings, who will see whether they're up to the task of knocking off Hermantown and advancing to their first state tournament. North Branch brings back a talented group that includes senior pitcher Samantha Pederson, a Minnesota-Duluth commit.