Storm outlast Beavers in five sets

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Simpson College women's volleyball team went the distance Friday night, pulling out a five-set thriller over Caltech to open its weekend in Minnesota.

The Storm (7-1) raced out to a two-set lead with 25-20 and 25-23 wins, but the Beavers (2-4) clawed back to even the match behind 25-20 and 25-16 victories in the third and fourth frames. The deciding fifth set featured eight ties and five lead changes before Simpson ultimately prevailed 16-14.

Jada Schmidt took over late, hammering down six of her team-high 16 kills in the final set, including four of the Storm's last five points. Morgan DenBeste notched her second triple-double of the season with 32 assists, 12 kills, and 18 digs. Peyton Mitchell and Caroline Kinkeade anchored the middle, combining for 24 kills and 10 blocks.

LEADERS FOR THE STORM

• Jada Schmidt: 16 kills, 5 digs
• Peyton Mitchell: 15 kills, 4 digs, 3 blocks
• Morgan DenBeste: 12 kills, 32 assists, 18 digs, 2 aces
• Caroline Kinkeade: 9 kills (.364), 6 blocks
• Hannah Jansen: 32 digs, 5 assists
• Tommie Roberts: 20 digs

UP NEXT
Simpson plays both Macalester and Bethany Lutheran for the second time this season tomorrow at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively.