Simpson moves up to No. 2 in regional rankings

INDIANOLA, Iowa – On the strength of a six-game winning streak, the Simpson softball team moved up two spots to No. 2 in the latest NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Rankings, released Thursday.

The Storm (26-8) debuted at No. 4 a week ago, but picked up momentum thanks to doubleheader sweeps over Coe, Loras and Dubuque. Iowa Conference rival Luther (30-2) leads the rankings.

Complete NCAA Division III Regional Rankings

A high regional ranking at season's end increases Simpson's chances of making the NCAA Tournament as an at-large qualifier, should it not get the conference's automatic bid.

Simpson – which owns the highest in-division strength of schedule of any team in the region – is scheduled to close the regular season at home Saturday, April 25 against Wartburg.

The Storm are seeking their first appearance in the NCAA postseason since 2010.

About the Midwest Region

The Midwest Region consists of 40 teams representing seven states and five conferences. Including all members of the Iowa Conference, all teams in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC), and Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) fall into the Midwest Region. Washington U. in St. Louis represents the University Athletic Association and Nebraska Wesleyan is an independent.

NCAA Midwest Region Rankings - April 23, 2015

1. Luther, 30-2
2. Simpson, 26-8
3. St. Thomas, 28-8
4. Washington U. in St. Louis, 29-9
5. Central, 25-8
6. Hamline, 23-7