Storm hold on to No. 2 regional ranking

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Despite a doubleheader split against Wartburg to close the regular season, the Simpson softball team held steady at No. 2 in the final NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Rankings, released Thursday, April 30.

Complete NCAA Division III Regional Rankings

The Storm (29-9) suffered a 5-1 loss in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader against Wartburg before scoring four runs with two outs in the seventh to steal a 5-4, comeback win in the nightcap.

The Iowa Conference's regular season champion, Luther remains atop the regional rankings at 34-2. Central jumped two spots to No. 3, St. Thomas dropped to No. 4 and Fontbonne debuted at No. 5. Washington U. in St. Louis dropped two to No. 6 and Hamline fell out of the rankings from No. 6 a week ago.

Simpson's postseason hopes may come down to this weekend's Iowa Conference Tournament in Decorah. The third-seeded Storm play sixth-seeded Dubuque in the first round on Friday. The winner advances to play second-seeded Central on Saturday.

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 30, 2015

1. Luther, 34-2
2. Simpson, 29-9
3. Central, 28-9
4. St. Thomas, 32-8
5. Fontbonne, 27-9
6. Washington U. in St. Louis, 31-11