Ironwomen look to climb

For the Vermilion Ironwomen, there’s no place to go but up.After suffering through a winless campaign in 2004-2005, the community college basketball team enters the new season with a revamped roster and high hopes for improvement.The Ironwomen host Itasca Friday (6 p.m., VCC Gymnasium) in the first round of a season-opening four-team tournament, and the return of three sophomores, including two starters, as well as a host of talented newcomers have given cause for optimism.“I would expect us to definitely be more competitive in the conference,”  said VCC Head Coach Ray Podominick, who enters his third season. “Our goal is to qualify for the state tournament, which means we would have to finish in the top four teams in the conference.”Gena Jerich, a sophomore from Ely, provides some returning scoring punch for the Ironwomen. The 5-10 forward averaged 12 points per contest last winter, earning All-Northern Division honorable mention recognition. Another sophomore, 5-11 Kelsey Edwards of East Central, adds some size and inside strength. She scored nearly 10 points per game as a first-year player.“Gena and Kelsey give us good experience,” said Podominick. “They’ve played against that tough competition before.”Rounding out the sophomore contingent is Chris Venema, a 5-4 guard from Ontonagon, Mich.Six first-year players are all in the mix for playing time.They include Gretchen Anderson, a six-foot center from Somerset, Wis.At guard, Vermilion turns to Megan Baxter (5-8, East Central) and Jarvette Miller (5-3, Roseville, Mich.).Liz Gruenhagen (5-10, Gibbon, Minn.) will play in the post and Amber Monio (5-10, Stillwater) splits time between guard and forward.Kendra Beckstrom, a 5-9 forward from Plymouth, will be eligible in January.“The girls have been practicing very hard and we’re excited to get the season underway.”Vermilion gets a preseason tune-up today (1 p.m.) with the annual alumni game and follows up with the weekend tournament.Vermilion also had to make some adjustments to its schedule (see box) when Anoka-Ramsey, which won the national title last year, didn’t field a team this season because of a lack of participation.Instead of going to a tournament at Anoka in mid-December, Vermilion heads to Minneapolis instead. Northern Division play starts in January.