VanVleet, Fisher lead wins over Hiram, Marietta

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Strong outings by Abbie VanVleet and Riley Fisher helped the Simpson softball team add two more wins at the Rebel Spring Games, beating Hiram 5-2 and Marietta 1-0.

The No. 25 Storm (12-0) remained perfect on the season and improved to 6-0 at the tournament.

After scoring 63 runs in the first seven games of the season, Simpson's offense has cooled but the pitching has gotten even better. In the last five games, opponents have managed just four runs against the Storm's staff.

VanVleet (5-0) held Hiram scoreless through six innings, striking out six and allowing two unearned runs. Fisher (5-0) was dominant against Marietta, tossing a one-hitter and striking out six with two walks.

Simpson 5, Hiram 2
Taylor Davis went 2-for-3 with two RBIs as the Storm raced out to a 4-0 lead through four. Rachel Guessford drove in an insurance run in the seventh and Hiram got on the board thanks to a pair of Simpson errors. VanVleet helped her own cause with two doubles and a run scored.

Simpson 1, Marietta 0
Simpson managed seven hits but didn't dent the plate until the sixth, when Guessford drove in pinch-runner Grace Hall on a two-out single. Tori Haag led the inning off with a base hit.

Up Next
Simpson will face Washington (Md.) and Husson on Monday. The game against Husson begins a string of four straight games against 2014 NCAA Tournament qualifiers for the Storm. Of Simpson's final seven games in Florida, six are against teams who reached the regional round last season.