Simpson splits pair of games after day two action in Florida

CLERMONT, Fla. - After running the win streak to five with a 11-2 win over New Paltz to open the season, Simpson fell in extras to nationally-ranked #21 Wisconsin-Whitewater 5-4 to split the day.

GAME ONE HIGHLIGHTS

• The Storm got on the board first, scoring Steen after a single from James was misplayed in right field, allowing Steen to come home from first on the play.
• Simpson tacked on three more in the third on RBI doubles from Ehlers and Shaner, along with an RBI single from James.
• New Paltz added one in the bottom of the third before Simpson broke open the game with a four run fourth inning. Kriegel crushed a two-run home run to center, followed by Steen scoring on a wild pitch, and Shaner's RBI single up the middle.
• Steen added to the Storm's lead in the fifth with her RBI single through the right side, and Heidelbauer put the game out of reach with her two-run home run to left center, securing the 11-2 victory after five innings.
• Tucker got the start for the Storm, earning the win after throwing three innings, allowing just one run on one hit. Cronin pitched the final two frames, giving up three hits for one run with four strikeouts.

GAME ONE LEADERS

Kate Kriegel - 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 1 HR
Megan Heidelbauer - 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 1 HR
Ashlyn Steen - 3-for-4, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 SB
Caelynn Obleton - 2-for-3, 2 R, 1 3B, 1 SB

GAME TWO HIGHLIGHTS

• Whitewater got the board first, scoring a run in the top of the first on a throwing error by the Storm. Simpson escaped the runners on second and third with nobody out jam with a fly out and back-to-back strikeouts.
• Whitewater added to their lead in the fourth, capitalizing on another Storm error to make it a 2-0 ballgame.
• Ehlers collected the first hit and baserunner of the afternoon for Simpson with her single to center in the bottom of the fourth, but was left on base to end the inning.
• Simpson managed to load the bases in the fifth with two walks and a single, bringing up Steen with two outs. The centerfielder earned the first run of the game for the Storm with a hit-by-pitch, but the rally came to close with a pop-up to second.
• Whitewater added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh, as Simpson went up to bat down three.
• A Ginnaty single and Obleton single put the tying run at the plate in Kriegel with one out. Kriegel delivered in the clutch with a triple to center, cutting the lead to just one.
• Next up for Simpson was Steen, who singled in the infield, scoring Kriegel and tying the game at 4-4. Steen proceeded to steal second, then advanced to third after an error on Heidelbauer's hit to second.
• However, the rally came to an end with a strikeout and groundout, sending the game to extras.
• In the ninth, Whitewater managed to score what proved to be the game-winning run, handing the Storm a 5-4 loss.

GAME TWO LEADERS

Caelynn Obleton - 2-for-3, 2 1B
Ashlyn Steen - 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 1 SB
Kate Kriegel - 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB
Emma LaFave - 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 K

UP NEXT

Simpson continues the Florida trip with a doubleheader tomorrow, Monday, March 17, starting with the University of New England at 10:15 am central time.