Storm fall to Kohawks in road conference action

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Simpson College softball team fell to Coe in a road doubleheader in conference play on Wednesday afternoon.

Alexis Ehlers and Mackenzie James each hit home runs in game two for the Storm (24-10, 7-5 A-R-C), but the Kohawks (22-6, 6-2 A-R-C) came away with the win with a good offensive and defensive display in game one, while walking off in game two.

GAME ONE: Coe 10, Simpson 0 (5 Innings)

• The game was largely a defensive battle early on, with both offenses hitting a lot of easily fieldable ground balls.
• The Kohawks struck first in the third inning though, with a two-run double to open the scoring.
• Despite a pitching change, Coe plated two more to take a 4-0 lead into the fourth inning.
• The Kohawks continued their offensive charge with runs in the fourth and fifth innings to claim the victory.

GAME TWO: Coe 6, Simpson 5

• The Storm got off to a better start in game two, with freshman Mackenzie James hitting a solo shot to left field in the second inning.
• The Kohawks got one back in the bottom half, but the Storm also provided an immediate answer as Ehlers was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
• Maddie Luderman's sacrifice fly gave Simpson a 3-1 lead, but Coe tied it with a two-run fourth inning.
• Freshman Makayla Fowler was called on to pinch hit and came up huge with an infield single that scored Katie Shaner.
• Ehlers smashed her seventh home run of the year to give Simpson a 5-3 lead, but Coe got the first two base runners on before Madi Parson walked the game off with a three run-home run.

DAY LEADERS

• Alexis Ehlers: 2 H, 2 RBI, HR, run
• Ashlyn Steen: 2 H, 2 SB, run
• Mackenzie James: 1 H, HR, RBI, run
• Katie Shaner: 1 H, 2B, run

UP NEXT
The Storm continue the long road trip with a doubleheader at rival Central on Saturday.