Storm rebound to claim first win in Florida

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - After dropping the first game of the team's Spring Break trip, the Simpson College softball team rebounded to defeat Suffolk on Saturday.

The Storm (2-2) were unable to convert good scoring opportunities against Roger Williams, but held off Suffolk to earn a split on the day. Megan Heidelbauer batted 3-for-5 at the plate with a triple and four RBIs on the day, including the game-deciding home run in the top of the seventh against Suffolk. Ashlyn Steen also added another four RBIs by batting .571 at the plate through both games, while Kylee Tucker earned the pitching win, throwing 4.2 innings and striking out four batters.

GAME ONE: Roger Williams 4, Simpson 0

• The Storm were left to rue missed early opportunities, as they stranded multiple runners in the first two innings.
• The Hawks (2-1) took a 2-0 lead in the second after a pair of two-out singles.
• The Storm had another opportunity to score in the bottom of the fifth, with Caelynn Obleton and Ashlyn Steen reaching base with zero outs.
• However, the Hawks turned a double play and got a strikeout to escape another jam.
• Roger Williams added two more runs, once again with two outs, after a double into left field scored runners from first and second.
• The Storm loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh with two outs, but the Hawks defense recorded the final out on a ground ball.

GAME ONE LEADERS

• Ashlyn Steen: 2-for-3, 1 2B, SB
• Megan Heidelbauer: 1-for-2, 1 BB, 2 SB
• Sierra Franklin: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 SO

GAME TWO: Simpson 12, Suffolk 8

• After some good pitching and defense, the Rams (0-3) struck first in the bottom of the third.
• Two base hits led to the first run being scored on an errant throw from the Storm defense. However, Kylee Tucker got out of the jam by retiring the next three batters, limiting the damage.
• That proved to be fruitful the very next half inning, with Megan Heidelbauer doubling to left field to score Alexis Ehlers and Abigail Rouse.
• Jenna Norris also added another double to score Heidelbauer and give the Storm a 3-1 lead, but the lead did not end there, as Suffolk completely misplayed a ground ball from Kate Kriegel, allowing two more runs to score.
• The Storm completely blew the game open with a two-out triple from Ashlyn Steen, scoring Obleton and Kriegel.
• The Rams embarked on a comeback attempt, loading the bases with a single and two walks to start the bottom of the sixth. The Storm got an out at 8-3, but a single scored another run, prompting Brent Matthias to go back to Tucker to pitch.
• Suffolk scored two more off a throwing error and another off a hit, and tied the game with a two-out single.
• Simpson got back on top with a two-run home run from Heidelbauer after an infield single by Makayla Fowler. Steen then drove in two more later in the inning for added insurance, allowing Tucker to close out the game uneventfully.

GAME TWO LEADERS

• Megan Heidelbauer: 2-for-3, HR, 4 RBI, 2 runs
• Ashlyn Steen: 2-for-4, 2 XHB, 4 RBI
• Jenna Norris: 2-for-3, 2 2B, 1 RBI
• Alexis Ehlers: 2-for-2, 1 2B, 1 BB
• Kylee Tucker: 4.2 IP, 0 ER, 4 K

NOTABLE

• The Storm left 11 runners on base compared to three from the Hawks in the first game.
• Simpson is now 2-2 all-time against Roger Williams, but won the first meeting against Suffolk.
• Heidelbauer and Steen combined to go 7-for-12 at the plate with eight RBIs and three extra base hits a piece.
• Tucker earned the win in game two, pitching 4.2 total innings, allowing zero earned runs and striking out four batters.
• The Storm tied the Rams in game two with 10 hits a piece, but ended up as 12-8 winners.

UP NEXT
The Storm take on Washington College at 8 a.m. tomorrow before facing off with Gettysburg at about 10:15 a.m.