The Vermilion Ironhawks have grown their ranks, and they’re hoping that translates into success on the court.
After a winless season a year ago, the community college volleyball team has rebuilt its roster, with a dozen players contending for time on the floor.
Led by first-year head coach Sammy Redman Wiggen, who was an assistant a year ago, Vermilion went 0-4 in the season-opening Gogebic Classic at Ironwood, Mich., but found many reasons for optimism.
The Ironhawks took a set from host Gogebic in Saturday’s finale, but fell 25-15, 25-20, 22-25, 25-14.
Freshman Emily Bruns had a couple of kills and eight digs for the Ironhawks, while Paige Wilson, Mariah Harris, Seija Tuomi, and former Ely Timberwolf Aubree Gerlovich all had kills as well.
Gerlovich also had seven digs while both Burns and Makayla Woody recorded eight digs each.
Earlier Saturday, Vermilion was swept by NJCAA Division II Milwaukee Tech 25-11, 25-11, 25-12.
Burns led Vermilion with three kills and seven digs and freshman Charlee Apple recorded three kills.
Gerlovich notched seven digs and teammates Burns and Olivia Keys had ace serves.
The day before, Vermilion was competitive in one set but lost 25-7, 25-18, 25-12 to Minnesota’s Dakota County.
Burns and Woody combined for 16 digs and Burns also had a couple of ace serves.
Madison Tech opened the tournament with a 2511, 25-14, 25-7 sweep of the Ironhawks, despite six kills by Burns.
Woody and Burns contributed six digs each and Keys finished with four.
The Ironhawks travel back to Gogebic Wednesday and have a Northern Division contest at Northland on Friday, Sept. 5.
