Storm cruises to 3-1 win over Dutch

INDIANOLA, Iowa – As the Simpson volleyball team did its part in the fight against Breast Cancer, it also took care of business on the court.

On the strength of a balanced attack featuring three players with 10 kills or more, the Storm (12-9, 4-1 IIAC) disposed of the Dutch (14-7, 1-3 IIAC) for the third time in as many tries with a 3-1 (25-16, 18-25, 25-19, 25-18) triumph Wednesday night at Cowles Fieldhouse.

Simpson took part in the national Dig Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Rally on Wednesday, helping raise funds and awareness about the disease.

Lara Gillespie paced Simpson with 13 kills, followed closely by Whitney Oviatt with 11 and Amy Schuster with 10 as Simpson cruised to its fourth win in five tries. The Storm now trails only first-place Wartburg, in the conference standings, as the Knights have yet to lose an IIAC contest.

Schuster's .333 hitting percentage led Simpson to a .210 team tally, while the Storm defense held Central to a .106 hitting percentage.

Tara Christensen's 36 assists set up the trio of Gillespie, Oviatt and Schuster, while Brittany Friesth's 15 digs started the Storm's transition offense. Rebecca Westphal provided quality time off the bench, spelling Friesth to the tune of eight digs.

Michelle Ripperger (12 kills, .320) and Haley Brillhart (10 kills, .333) led the Dutch attack, while Maggie Snyder distributed 26 assists. Brillhart and Lindsay Jennings added five blocks a-piece.

Simpson enjoys a weekend off before closing out the home schedule against Dubuque on Senior Night, Oct. 14 at Cowles Fieldhouse. The match is set to start at 7:30 p.m.