Storm Softball ranked 13th in NFCA national poll

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Bouncing back from a pair of losses to Wartburg, the Simpson softball team swept Coe and came in at 13th in the latest NFCA/GoRout Top 25 Coaches Poll on Tuesday.

The Storm improved to 19-4 on the season after knocking off Coe 8-6 and 5-1 last Sunday. Over the last four weeks, Simpson has bounced back and forth between 12th and 13th in the NFCA national poll. Joining the Storm from the A-R-C in the polling was Central who came in at 21st.

Leading the offense for Simpson has been two-time All-American Ashlyn Steen with a blistering .513 batting average with two home runs, 13 RBIs, and a staggering 25 stolen bases. Cleaning up behind Steen in the order has been the trio of Megan Heidelbauer, Mackenzie James, and Katie Shaner. The three have combined for 72 RBIs, 58 runs scored, and 38 extra base hits. In the circle, two-time A-R-C Pitcher of the Week Marina Cronin and senior Emma LaFave have formed a lethal 1-2 punch. The duo is 15-3 on the season with eight complete games, and 113 strikeouts over 117.2 innings of work.

Simpson was set to play Dubuque to open A-R-C action at home today but due to weather, the doubleheader was postponed and will be played at a later date. Next up for the Storm is a home doubleheader against Luther on Saturday, April 11 with first pitch scheduled for 1:00 p.m.