Simpson cruises to win behind one-two punch

INDIANOLA, IA – The Simpson women's golf team secured its second victory of the season on a chilly Monday afternoon at Indianola Country Club behind the one-two punch of veterans Jennifer Gaffney and Jessica Lerdal.

The Storm shot a 349 and added their second win of at least 17 shots in as many weeks after outpacing Des Moines Area CC (366), Coe College (370), and Des Moines Area CC Gray (393) in their only home meet of the year.

The senior platoon of Gaffney, 83, and Lerdal, 84, finished first and second, respectively, as they tackled the par 71, 5,821-yard course located just a stones throw from the Simpson College campus. Gaffney had to claw her way back to escape Lerdal's grasp on medalist honors after Lerdal got out fast with a 40 on the front nine. The reining Iowa Conference champion responded with a back nine 40 of her own to earn the individual win in addition to the team victory. Both 40 counts tied for the lowest 9-hole scores of the day.

They were aided in their winning effort by fifth place finisher and fellow senior, Stacy Bergeson (90), the lone freshman, Coltyn Hunter (92), and Molly Hill (106). Representing the remaining Simpson contingent and competing as individuals were Holly Baiotto (100), Lesley Pearey (104), and Allison McArtor (107). Baiotto has been cashing in as of late by recording her second straight top-5 team finish and one of her team's two birdies on the day at the 348 yard, par-4 15th.

The Simpson women prepare for a quick turnaround as they make the trek to Decorah, Iowa for the Luther Invitational on September 20.