Storm power past Fredonia; rally for walk-off against #16 UWSP

CLERMONT, Fla. - Simpson slugged five home runs to power post Fredonia 9-0 in the opener before mounting a seventh inning comeback to topple 16th-ranked UW-Stevens Point 6-5 to improve to 11-1 to start the season.

GAME ONE HIGHLIGHTS

• Ehlers started the home run derby off for the Storm, smacking a two-run home run to left center to put Simpson up 2-0.
• Kriegel clocked her first bomb of the day, a two-run shot in the second inning to expand the lead to 4-0.
• Shaner added her two-run home run down the left field line in the third inning, putting the Storm up 6-0.
• Kriegel doubled-down in the fourth inning her second home run of the day, this time a solo shot to left center. Heidelbauer wrapped up the game with a two-run home run later in the inning as Simpson rolled to the 9-0 win.
• Tucker went the full five innings, throwing shutout softball on two hits, no walks, and three punchouts to earn her third win of the season.

GAME ONE LEADERS

Kylee Tucker - 5 IP, W, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Kate Kriegel - 2-for-2, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
Megan Heidelbauer - 1-for-2, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB
Alexis Ehlers - 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 1 R
Katie Shaner - 1-for-2, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB

GAME TWO HIGHLIGHTS

• Simpson began the game with back-to-back singles, and a walk to load the bases for James. The sophomore delivered with a bases-clearing double to put the Storm up 3-0.
• Wisconsin-Stevens Point answered back in the third inning, scoring four runs on two RBI singles, a fielder's choice, and bases-loaded walk to go ahead 4-3.
• UWSP added another run in the sixth inning on an RBI double to right, making it a 5-3 ballgame.
• Down to their final two outs, trailing by two, Kriegel woke up the Storm's bats with a solo shot to right center to start the seventh inning rally.
• Steen followed with a single and stole second to put the tying run in scoring position. A groundout put Steen at third with Simpson down to the final out.
• UWSP intentionally walked Ehlers, who then stole second the play to put the game-winning run in scoring position for James.
• Once again, James delivered in the clutch, hitting a ball to short that got through the infield and into the gap, allowing both Steen and Ehlers to come home as Simpson walked-off 16th ranked UWSP 6-5.
• LaFave pitched the first three innings, allowing four runs on five hits before Breckner came in for relief. Breckner earned the win after tossing four innings with one unearned run on two hits with three strikeouts.

GAME TWO LEADERS

Mackenzie James - 1-for-4, 3 RBI, 1 2B
Ashlyn Steen - 2-for-4, 2 R, 2 SB
Kate Kriegel - 1-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R
Alyssa Breckner - 4 IP, W, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 K

UP NEXT

Simpson returns to action tomorrow afternoon, Friday, March 21, beginning with UW-Stout at 1:00 p.m. CDT.