Storm record second straight sweep

CLERMONT, Fla. - The Simpson College softball team recorded its second straight sweep in as many days, defeating Montclair State and Ithaca.

Caelynn Obleton went 4-for-5 at the plate across the two games, including driving in the game-winning run in the top of the seventh against Montclair State. Jenna Norris provided more timely offense with another multi-RBI hit. Taryan Barrick-Wessels completely shut down the offense in game two against Ithaca, going six scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out six. Maddie Luderman and Alexis Ehlers each smacked home runs in game two as well.

"It was a great day for Simpson softball," said Storm head coach Brent Matthias. "Game one we broke a tie in the seventh and played great defense to secure the win and in game two our bats came alive. We played clean defense while Taryan pitched a six-inning, run-rule, shutout and these games show that our team believes in each other."

GAME ONE: Simpson 4, Montclair State 3

• The Storm (9-5) loaded the bases on four pitches to start the game, but the Redhawks (4-5) forced two infield pop outs. However, more clutch hitting from Norris scored Ashlyn Steen and Megan Heidelbauer, giving Simpson a 2-0 lead.
• Montclair State got one back in the bottom of the first, but after a double from Kate Kriegel, an error from the Redhawks on a bunt from Obleton scored Kriegel.
• The Storm got multiple runners on in the fourth and fifth innings, but were unable to extend the lead either time.
• That came back to bite the Storm in the bottom of the sixth, with the Redhawks loading the bases and scoring two runs. The Storm got a clutch double play and got out of the inning unscathed with a 3-3 score.
• Rylee Purvis doubled with one out and after a fly out, Obleton laced a single into left-center field, scoring Purvis to give Simpson a 4-3 lead.
• The Redhawks got their first two batters on, but Kylee Tucker and the Storm defense got out of the jam to preserve the win.

GAME ONE LEADERS

• Megan Heidelbauer: 2-for-3, run, SB
• Kate Kriegel: 2-for-3, BB, 2B, run
• Jenna Norris: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 2B
• Caelynn Obleton: 1-for-2, RBI
• Rylee Purvis: 1-for-1, run
• Madeline Petersen: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 SO
• Kylee Tucker: 2.0 IP, 3 H, SO, win

GAME TWO: Simpson 8, Ithaca 0 (6 Innings)

• The Bombers (8-4) and the Storm were engaged in a pitching duel early, until a double from Ehlers scored Obleton to give Simpson a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third.
• Luderman was the next batter and then smacked a two-run home run, the 29th of her Simpson career.
• Obleton continued her impressive offensive day with a two-out single in the bottom of the fourth to extend Simpson's lead to 4-0.
• Ehlers then smashed a home run to drive in Heidelbauer for her second homer of the year.
• Matthias went into his catalogue of hitters in the bottom of the sixth, with Makayla Bryant, driving in Kriegel off a sac fly.
• After Obleton's third hit of the game, freshman Brielyn Ginnaty provided the game-winning hit to score Obleton and trigger a run-rule victory.

GAME TWO LEADERS

• Caelynn Obleton: 3-for-3, 2 runs, 2 SB, RBI
• Alexis Ehlers: 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 2 runs, 2B
• Maddie Luderman: 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, run
• Kate Kriegel: 1-for-3, 3B, run
• Katie Shaner: 1-for-1, BB
• Taryan Barrick-Wessels: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 6 SO, win

NOTABLE

• Maddie Luderman is now just two home runs from tying the program's all-time lead.
• Luderman's home run was also her 99th and 100th career RBIs, just 11 away from tying the all-time record.
• The Storm are now 9-3 all-time against Montclair State and 7-2 against Ithaca all-time.
• Kylee Tucker collected her third win of the year and she leads the conference with a 0.40 ERA.
• Barrick-Wessels threw her third complete game of the year, tying her season-high with six strikeouts.

UP NEXT
The Storm end their Florida trip tomorrow morning starting at 8 a.m. by taking on Wisconsin-Eau Claire, before facing off with Lake Forest right after.