Storm split season openers in Minnesota

MANKATO, Minn. - The Simpson College softball team split its first two games of the season in Mankato, Minn. on Saturday, defeating Gustavus Adolphus in game one.

The Storm (1-1) came back from an early 3-0 deficit to defeat Gustavus Adolphus, but then unfortunately suffered the reverse fate in game two against St. Olaf.

Karlie Hill smacked four RBIs in game one, including a game-sealing two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth. Ashlyn Steen stole six bases across the two games, three in each, while collecting two hits and two walks. Taryan Barrick-Wessels struck out six batters in three innings of work in game one, while Kylee Tucker provided five strong innings as the starter in game two, allowing only one run.

GAME ONE: Simpson 6, Gustavus Adolphus 3

• The Gusties (1-1) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first two and a half innings, but the Storm started its comeback in the bottom half of the third.
• Freshman Mackenzie James recorded her first career collegiate hit with a two-out double that scored Caelynn Obleton from first base.
• The Storm tied the game at three with another two-out double, this time from Karlie Hill. Hill laced a double to left center field to tie the game at three.
• Simpson took the lead after Ashlyn Steen scored on an error in the bottom of the fifth, before Hill added the exclamation point with a two-run blast to left center field.
• Sierra Franklin earned the win, allowing zero hits in two innings of work, as freshman Alyssa Breckner closed the door with two more great innings, allowing just one hit.

GAME ONE LEADERS

• Karlie Hill: 2-for-3, 1 HR, 4 RBI
• Rylee Purvis: 1-for-2, 2 runs, 1 BB
• Taryan Barrick-Wessels: 3.0 IP, 6 strikeouts
• Sierra Franklin: 2.0 IP, 0 hits, 1 strikeout
• Alyssa Breckner, 2.0 IP, 1 hit, 1 strikeout

GAME TWO: St. Olaf 4, Simpson 3

• The Storm left three runners on base over the first two innings, but finally took advantage in the third inning. James laid down a bunt that led to Steen scoring after two errors by the Oles (2-0).
• After a fly out, Maddie Luderman doubled to right center field, scoring James and giving the Storm a 2-0 lead.
• The Oles pulled one back in the bottom of the fifth, forcing a two-out walk, but Tucker escaped the jam by forcing a groundout to herself.
• James once again made a positive play in the top of the seventh. After an infield single to third base forced an errant throw, Obleton scored to give the Storm a 3-1 lead.
• However, the Storm could not add more after Luderman singled to load the bases with one out, and the Oles recorded three straight hits to open up the bottom of the seventh and tie the game.
• St. Olaf eventually won on a walkoff single, scoring the runner from third base on two outs.

GAME TWO LEADERS

• Ashlyn Steen: 2-for-4, 1 run
• Maddie Luderman: 2-for-4, 1 RBI
• Mackenzie James: 1-for-3, 1 run
• Caroline Pellett: 2-for-3
• Kylee Tucker: 5.0 IP, 1 run

NOTES

• The Storm pitching staff allowed just one hit over the final four frames against Gustavus Adolphus.
• Hill's 4 RBIs, all coming in game one, led the Storm on the day.
• Starting pitchers Tucker and Barrick-Wessels allowed only three runs on eight hits, striking out seven batters.
• Steen led the team in plate appearances with eight, reaching base on half of them, while being responsible for six of the Storm's seven stolen bases.

UP NEXT
The Storm will have some time off before embarking on their Spring Break trip to Florida in early March.