Grinnell tops Simpson on Senior Day

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson College women's volleyball team came up short against Grinnell on Senior Day, falling 3-1 in nonconference action.

Prior to the match, Simpson recognized its six seniors including Taryn Bertini, Teria Campbell, Iman Ghalibaf, Rachel Hardwick, Haylee King and Ragan Shelgren.

"Over the course of these past four years, this group has worked very hard to help get our program headed in the right direction," said head coach KK Palea. "I'm proud of each of them and would like to thank them for their efforts and the hard work they've put in."

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Grinnell (11-13) edged the Storm 25-23 in the first set, but Simpson (8-18) leveled the match at 1-1 with a 25-19 win in set two. The home team's second set victory was fueled by a 12-2 run that included two aces from Morgan DenBeste as well as a couple of blocks between Teria Campbell, Peyton Mitchell and Lauren Roman.
• Back-to-back kills from Emily Williams followed by another ace from DenBeste tied the third set at 16-16. The frame was tied again at 18 and 19 points before Grinnell won six of the next eight rallies for a 25-21 victory.
• An early 6-1 run by Grinnell put the visitors ahead 8-5, and the Pioneers led by as many as six before Simpson rallied to close the gap to one, 21-20. The two teams exchanged a couple of points before Emily Brewer and Jenna Keller went back-to-back for the guests to seal the four-set victory.

STORM LEADERS

• Emily Williams - 16 kills, 12 digs, 3 blocks
• Teria Campbell - 9 kills, 3 blocks
• Lauren Roman - 8 kills, 4 blocks, 1 ace
• Morgan DenBeste - 34 kills, 7 digs, 4 aces, 2 blocks

UP NEXT
After playing back-to-back days, Simpson now has a full week off before its next game day. The Storm will be on the road to face Coe and Wartburg in American Rivers Conference action next Friday and Saturday, respectively.