Softball sixth in final regional rankings

INDIANOLA, Iowa - The Simpson softball team is ranked No. 6 in the final NCAA Division III Midwest Region Rankings, released Thursday, May 5.

Complete NCAA Division III Regional Rankings

The Storm were ranked fourth last week, but dropped to sixth after big jumps from Washington U. in St. Louis and Gustavus Adolphus. The top two spots remained the same with Luther holding the No. 1 spot and St. Thomas coming in at No. 2. Wash U. jumped from fifth to third and Gustavus went from sixth to fourth. St. Catherine slid from third to fifth and Central held steady at No. 7. Hamline debuted in the rankings at No. 8.

Simpson was idle last week after the season finale against Luther was rained out. The Storm (29-8) are the No. 2 seed in this weekend's Iowa Conference Tournament in Decorah. Simpson will play the winner of third-seeded Buena Vista and sixth-seeded Wartburg on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

About the Midwest Region

The Midwest Region consists of 41 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. Iowa Wesleyan is a provisional member.

NCAA Division III Midwest Region Rankings - May 5, 2016

1. Luther, 34-2
2. St. Thomas, 35-5
3. Washington U. in St. Louis, 34-10
4. Gustavus Adolphus, 24-10
5. St. Catherine, 28-7
6. Simpson, 29-8
7. Central, 22-14
8. Hamline, 22-14