Storm bow out of tournament with loss to top-seeded Norse

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Simpson's postseason run came to an end with a 10-2 loss to top-seeded Luther in an elimination game of the American Rivers Conference Tournament on Friday night in Cedar Rapids.

The Norse (33-10) jumped out quickly, scoring five runs in the first inning highlighted by a three-run home run and a two-run single. Luther added two more in the second to build an early 7-0 advantage.

The Storm (24-18) got on the board in the third when Trenten Kingrey doubled to drive in a run, his 19th double of the season to set a new single-season program record. Simpson added another run in the sixth on a Bryson Gibson RBI double, but Luther answered with insurance runs in the eighth to extend the margin and secure the win.

Simpson finishes the year with 24 wins, the most since winning 25 games in 2008.

STORM LEADERS

• Bryson Gibson: 2 hits, 1 double, 1 RBI, 1 walk
• Trenten Kingrey: 1 hit, 1 double, 1 RBI
• Drew Carlson, 1 hit, 1 double, 1 run
• Jake Edenburn: 6.1 IP, 7 strikeouts, 0 earned runs