Simpson starts Rebel Spring Games 3-1

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Highlighted by a win over a Division I opponent and the hot bat of Chelsea Winegard, the Simpson softball team is off to a 3-1 start after its first two days at the Rebel Spring Games.

The Storm (6-4) started play Friday, losing to Minnesota State 8-5 before rallying for a 7-5 win over Division I South Dakota. The momentum carried into Saturday when Simpson beat Albion 5-3 and handled St. Benedict 12-2 in four innings.

In four games, Winegard is 11-for-15 with five RBIs and a pair of stolen bases.

Minnesota State 8, Simpson 5
Simpson spotted the Mavericks (ranked 13th in NCAA Division II) seven runs in the first four innings before coming back with three in the fifth and two in the sixth to make it interesting. Winegard went 4-for-4, Tieryn Potratz had a two-run homer and Stacie Brown added two hits. Kacee Arey went the distance in the circle, allowing 12 hits in the loss.

Simpson 7, South Dakota 5
Carissa Coopman hit a three-run home run as part of a big fourth inning and Simpson overcame four errors in the win. Falling behind 3-0 after the first, the Storm scored four in the fourth and added three in the fifth. Simpson pounded out 11 hits as a team, Hailey Jensen added a solo home run and Arey picked up the win.

Simpson 5, Albion 3
Jess Toyne held the Britons to five hits in 5 2/3 innings and Winegard went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs in the win. Kylie Van Houten added two RBIs and Arey tossed the final 1 1/3 to earn the save.

Simpson 12, St. Benedict 2 (4)
Veronica Roshek and Potratz led the Storm with three hits apiece in the route. Keri Sorensen finished with two doubles and Arey picked up the win.

The Storm continue play Sunday when they take on Muskingum and Aurora.