Simpson picks up pace in stretch run

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Nicole Dillenburg (So., MF, Urbandale, Iowa) played a part in all three scores Wednesday night, as the Simpson women's soccer team shut out Cornell, 3-0 at Buxton Stadium.

Dillenburg scored the game's first goal in the 12th minute and assisted on two others as Simpson won for the fourth time in five tries, improving to 8-6 (4-2 IIAC).

After starting the season 2-4, Simpson has rebounded to win 6-of-8.

"We are really maturing well," interim head coach Greg Velasquez said. "We have a lot of freshmen and sophomores playing, but they aren't playing like freshmen and sophomores any more. Our senior leadership has been great and we want to keep rolling and moving forward."

Erin Vinnedge (Sr., D, Great Falls, Mont.) assisted on Dillenburg's first goal, a liner from 15-yards out that found the top right corner of the net. The goal marked Dillenburg's team-leading fourth game-winner of the season.

Mollie McMahon (Sr., MF, Des Moines, Iowa) took the touch from Dillenburg on an indirect kick from 5-yards out for Simpson's second goal, which came at the 59:54 mark. The goal was McMahon's fourth of the season, good for second on the team.

Yvette Alberts-Kelly (Fr., MF, Dubuque, Iowa) closed the scoring with her first career goal in the 69th minute, finding the back of the net from 8-yards out after Dillenburg's second assist.

Cornell (5-9, 1-5 IIAC) managed only four shots to Simpson's 17, putting two on goal to eight for Simpson. Rachel Wynn led the Rams with two shot attempts, placing one inside the frame.

Simpson also held the edge in corner kicks, 2-0.

Goalkeeper Megan Petersen (Fr., Indianola, Iowa) notched her fourth shutout of the season for the Storm, making two saves in the process. Dana Banks took the loss in goal for Cornell, making five saves.

Simpson makes its final road trip of the season Saturday, when it looks for continued success against conference-foe Dubuque in a 1 p.m. kickoff.