Team effort propels Storm to fourth straight victory

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Simpson College women's basketball team used a complete team effort to pick up its fourth straight victory, a 73-41 triumph over Nebraska Wesleyan in the final road contest of the regular season.

With the win, the Storm (14-10, 9-6 A-R-C) officially earned the right to host their opening game of the American Rivers Conference Tournament next Tuesday. Simpson is currently tied for third place with Coe, which plays Nebraska Wesleyan on Saturday.  

While Simpson used a strong performance in the second and third quarters to defeat Dubuque last time out, it was the first and third quarters that were the difference makers on Wednesday night. The Storm held the Prairie Wolves (6-17, 2-13 A-R-C) to just five points in both periods while putting up 40 points on offense. Haley Rasmussen and Anna Wanek each had five points in the opening frame, while Molly Lutmer led the effort out of the break with seven points.

Simpson's defense generated 30 turnovers on the night, including nine in the first quarter and 10 in the third. Cassie Nash stole six possessions away from the Prairie Wolves, Elle Street tallied three steals, and nine other players grabbed at least one. The last time the Storm recorded 30+ steals was at Central on Feb. 19, 2022.

Rasmussen posted a game-high 13 points and Street ended the game with a season-high 12. Lutmer and Dylan Holland also reached double figures with 10 points apiece. Nash was contained to just six points but aided seven other baskets, her second consecutive game with seven assists.

Simpson outrebounded the hosts 44-31 and had 11 more offensive boards. Holland brought down a game-high eight and 13 others had at least one.

Up Next
The Storm play their final game of the regular season against Central on Saturday inside Cowles Fieldhouse. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. and seniors will be recognized at halftime of the men's game.