Storm too strong for Cornell

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Nicole Dillenburg scored a goal and assisted on two others, the defense turned in a clean sheet and the Simpson women's soccer team started homecoming week in style with a 4-0 win over Cornell at Buxton Stadium on Wednesday.

The Storm (8-3-2, 2-1 Iowa Conference) responded nicely from a humbling 4-0 loss to Dubuque four days before, out-shooting Cornell 26-15 and setting the pace from the opening whistle.

Four different players scored goals for Simpson and the top three goal scorers all added to their season totals in the first 30 minutes, putting the Rams (4-9, 0-2) in an early hole.

Katherine Bird needed less than six minutes to put Simpson on the board, taking an assist from Dillenburg before sticking a low ball into the open net from 11 yards out. Bird returned the favor in the 20th minute, assisting on Dillenburg's blast from 25 yards out that was too hot for the Cornell keeper.

Amber Johnson came off the bench to make the score 3-0 in the 28th minute, taking a pass from Dillenburg and finding the right net from eight yards out. Lacey Davis closed the scoring when she finished a breakaway set up by a perfect free kick from Chelsea Winegard in the final minute of the half. Davis pounded a left-footed offering from 14 yards out into the right corner with only 14 seconds left in the half.

With a comfortable lead at intermission, head coach Ryan Sander cleared the bench in the second frame. In all, 23 players saw action on the night.

Megan Petersen had a relaxing first half in goal, as the Rams failed to attempt a shot. Jess Toyne made three saves in the second half.

The Storm return to the pitch Saturday, Oct. 8 when they travel to Waverly to face Wartburg. The Knights (9-1-1) are ranked No. 10 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Top 25 poll and No. 14 in the D3soccer.com Poll. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.