Storm split on first day of Simpson Invite

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Lauren Martin, McKaylie Croghan and Steph Keller combined for 28 of the team's 39 kills in a win over Grinnell as Simpson went 1-1 on the first day of the 25th Simpson Volleyball Invitational.

The Storm (3-8) swept Grinnell 3-0 (25-13, 25-8, 27-25) in the first match of the night before falling to St. Benedict 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-13).

Martin led the way with 10 kills and Croghan had nine while hitting .353 in Simpson's win over the Pioneers (2-9). Keller also had nine in 24 attempts.

As a team, Simpson hit .270 while holding Grinnell to -.056. Katie Kieffer handed out 22 assists to go along with three service aces and Kim Rogers had 12 digs.

Simpson didn't have the same success against a St. Benedict team receiving votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Top 25 Poll.

The Blazers (9-3) hit .337 as a team led by Sophie Stangl's 13 kills in the win.

Martin led a balanced Simpson attack with seven kills, hitting .333 in the process. Tabitha Blaser added six kills and MacKenzie McGraw chipped in with five.

Kieffer had 21 assists, Keller managed three aces and Rogers paced the team with 15 digs.

The tournament concludes tomorrow when Simpson plays Nebraska Wesleyan at 12:15 p.m. and Coe at 2:30.