Storm grab first A-R-C sweep of season

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Madi Bennett secured the game-winning RBI in the doubleheader opener and Megan Crockett exploded for four RBIs in the game two win to sweep Nebraska Wesleyan on Tuesday.

The Storm went on to win 2-0 in the opener and 8-2 in the nightcap to move to 17-13 overall and 4-6 in American Rivers Conference play. The Prairie Wolves are now 21-9 and 6-4 in the league.

Simpson 2, Nebraska Wesleyan 0 (8 innings)
After only amassing two hits through the first seven innings, Simpson was able to double the total in the eighth. Bell started the frame with a double and was moved over with a bunt from Brynna Bowman. Bennett stepped up to the plate and was able to bunt a roller to the pitcher and Bell used her speed to score and give the squad the 1-0 lead.

Arianna Kim was able to drive in Caitlynne Shadle, who was pinch running for Bennett to extend the lead to 2-0.

Bell went back in the circle for the Storm and gave up one hit in the eighth and Nebraska Wesleyan was able to load the bases with two outs, but Bell hung tough and struckout the last batter to close it.

Bell finished with a complete game three-hitter and three strikeouts. She now has nine wins for the year and lowered her earned-run average to 1.54, which is third highest in the conference.

The pitcher also ended with two hits to help her cause and her battery mate, Ashley Allen, ripped a double.

Simpson 8, Nebraska Wesleyan 2
The large scoring output was fueled by a five-run fifth inning as Crockett had a two-run single and Bennett had a two-run single during the frame to propel the offense.

The Storm had a 1-0 advantage after the fourth inning when Crockett connected on her fifth homer of the season. With the score already at 6-0 in the seventh, Simpson tacked on two more insurance runs as Crockett tallied another RBI and she later scored on an error.

Nebraska Wesleyan had a late rally in the seventh and plated its two runs there, but the Storm were able to escape without further damage.

Crockett finished the contest by going 4-for-4 at the plate with four RBIs, her most in any game of her career. Kayla Reusche had a two-hit ballgame as the team tallied 11 hits as a unit, its most in 14 games since they had 11 on March 16.

Emily Schilke went the distance inside the circle and gave up two runs on eight hits. She now has two wins for the year.

Up Next
The Storm return back to Indianola for a doubleheader with Wartburg on Saturday. First pitch will begin at 1 p.m. The team's three seniors, Ashley Allen, Arianna Kim and Kayla Reusche, will be recognized in between the games for senior day.