Winegard, Simpson rank high in national statistics

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Paced by Chelsea Winegard's nation-leading .552 batting average, the Simpson softball team is well represented on the latest statistical rankings released by the NCAA on March 18.

Winegard, a junior outfielder from Muscatine, Iowa, hit .581 with four triples and 12 RBIs in 14 games at the Rebel Spring Games to vault her batting average to the top of NCAA Division III. Her four triples rank third in the nation.

Kacee Arey, a junior pitcher from Lucas, Iowa, ranks fourth in the nation with 10 wins, sitting at 10-7 overall. She also ranks eighth in saves (2) and shutouts (3) and 11th in strikeouts (73).

Carissa Coopman, a senior first baseman from Davenport, Iowa, leads the team and ranks 32nd in the nation with four home runs.

As a team, the Storm rank 28th in the batting average (.362) and 34th in slugging percentage (.518).

Simpson is currently 13-7 overall after trips to Michigan and Florida to start the season. The Storm travel to Fulton, Mo. to take on Westminster in a doubleheader on March 27 before opening Iowa Conference play at Loras on March 31.