Simpson gets early goal, holds on for win

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Susan Leslie (Fr., Long Grove, Iowa) converted the match's only goal in the 20th minute and the Simpson defense held off a number of St. Catherine advances as the Storm picked up its first win of the season Saturday afternoon at Buxton Stadium, 1-0.

Leslie was the recipient of a well-placed corner kick by Katherine Bird (So., Iowa City, Iowa) that snuck through the Wildcat defense. The freshman took the serve off one bounce and found the back of the net from eight yards out for her first collegiate goal.

After getting behind early in the first two games of the season – both Simpson losses – Saturday was a different story.

"It was almost an exact role-reversal today compared to our first two matches," interim head coach Greg Velasquez said. "We were fortunate enough to take our chances early in the game, but we had to hold off the onslaught. They brought it to us for the last 25 minutes."

Simpson (1-2) attempted only five shots in the match with four coming in the first 45 minutes. St. Catherine (2-1) attempted six shots in the final period and had some near misses.

Mid-way through the second period, St. Catherine's Kelsey Nistler had an open run into the Simpson half, prompting goalkeeper Megan Petersen (Fr., Indianola, Iowa) to vacate the goal. After a collision, Nistler looked to have a clear shot at the frame before defender Heather Akes (Sr., Runnels, Iowa) knocked the ball away.

Chelsea Winegard (Fr., Muscatine, Iowa) made a big play just minutes later, redirecting a pass that would have led to a shot on goal for the Wildcats.

"Nistler was dangerous for them the whole game so we had to concentrate a lot of our energy on her," Velasquez said. "The effort from Akes and Winegard on the back line and from Petersen behind them was fantastic."

Nistler ended up taking nine of St. Catherine's 11 shots, putting six on goal.

Peterson recorded her first career shutout for the Storm, making seven saves.

Simpson is off the remainder of the holiday weekend and hosts Grand View at Buxton Stadium Sept. 8. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.