Allen, Rasmusson named to All-IIAC Second Team

INDIANOLA, Iowa — Simpson's hard-hitting catcher Ashley Allen and do-it-all utility player Madison Rasmusson were named to the 2017 All-Iowa Conference Softball Team following a vote of the league's coaches. 

The sophomore duo each landed a spot on the second team in their first year as regular members of the Storm's lineup. Allen was the primary starter behind the plate in her second season with the squad while Rasmusson made an immediate impact after transferring from Des Moines Area CC. 

2017 All-Iowa Conference Softball Team

Originally from Laurel, Iowa, Allen led the Storm with four home runs and 17 RBIs while hitting .330 on the year. All four of her home runs came in conference play, good for fourth in the league. She came into her own in the final eight games of the season, hitting all four home runs and slugging .821 during the stretch. 

A native of Marshalltown, Iowa, Rasmusson led the team with a .375 batting average on the year while going 5-11 with a 3.24 ERA in the circle. She pitched and played in the outfield, hitting .422 in league play, good for eighth in the IIAC. The slap-hitter recorded a hit in 14 of the last 16 games and her five hits against Dubuque on April 22 were the most in the league and second-most in school history.

The Storm and first-year head coach Brent Matthias went 8-28 in 2017 but won 3 of 5 to close the season. Simpson will return a wealth of experience in 2018, including three pitchers, all five infielders and the starting centerfielder. 

Anna Strien of league champion Luther was named Position Player of the Year while Central's Karly Olson was voted Pitcher of the Year. Luther and head coach Renae Hartl brought home Coaching Staff of the Year honors.