VanVleet voted IIAC's best pitcher for second week in a row

INDIANOLA, Iowa – For the second week in a row, Simpson's Abbie VanVleet was recognized as the top softball pitcher in the Iowa Conference.

VanVleet earned the honor for the period ending Sunday, March 15, going 4-0 without issuing a walk in 24 1/3 innings of work. VanVleet's 0.86 ERA during the week helped the 18th-ranked Storm close play at the Rebel Spring Games with an 18-2 record on the season.

A sophomore from Indianola, VanVleet helped Simpson to wins over Husson (4-2), Thomas More (3-1), Beloit (3-0) and Farmingdale State (4-0) last week. She threw 5 1/3 innings with four strikeouts against Husson and went five innings with three strikeouts against Thomas More. She saved her best efforts for last, tossing complete-game two-hitters in shutout wins over Beloit and Farmingdale State.

In all, VanVleet struck out 16 batters and didn't allow a walk. This season she is 9-0 with a dominating 0.62 ERA with 40 strikeouts and just three walks.

The Storm are off until March 27 when they host St. Benedict in the home opener at Simpson Softball Complex.