Offense quiet in losses to Gustavus, Bridgewater

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Simpson softball team couldn't get the bats going on Friday at the Rebel Spring Games, scoring a combined three runs off eight hits in narrow losses to Gustavus Adolphus and Bridgewater (V.A.). Simpson lost to Gustavus 3-2 in the first game of the day, then dropped a 3-1 decision to Bridgewater. 

The Storm (5-10) saw their three-game winning streak come to a close. Simpson looks to rebound Saturday when it faces Wheaton (Mass.) and Carroll (Wis.) on its final day in Florida. Start times are set for 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. CT.

Gustavus Adolphus 3, Simpson 2
Pinch-runner Kayla Reusche gave Simpson a 1-0 lead in the second on a throwing error but pitcher Heather Heacox hit a two-run homer in the third and Jena Willis hit a solo shot in the fourth as the Gusties held on for the win. Brooke Brommel's double in the sixth scored Kaleigh Snyder to make it a one-run game, but Heacox retired the final four batters. She kept the Storm off balance all day, finishing with nine strikeouts while allowing just three hits. Maidson Rasmusson (3-3) took the loss, giving up three runs -- all earned -- in four innings.

Bridgewater 3, Simpson 1
Rasmusson drove in the game-tying run on a bases-loaded squeeze bunt in the top of the fifth but a pair of misplayed balls led to two unearned runs for the Eagles in the fifth, which proved to be the difference. Simpson threatened in the sixth with back-to-back singles by Brianna Chaplin and Taylor Davis, but Brooke Louden ended the threat when she got pinch-hitter Emily Wallace to fly out after a long battle. Rasmusson (3-4) suffered the loss in relief of Maggie Long. Long allowed one run off two hits in 3 1/3 innings and Rasmusson gave up two unearned runs off three hits in 2 2/3.