Storm bend, don't break in 2-0 win over Nebraska Wesleyan

INDIANOLA, Iowa – A pair of first half goals and a strong defensive effort helped the Simpson women's soccer team to a 2-0 win over Nebraska Wesleyan on Wednesday night at Buxton Stadium.

Alex Stucky and Heather Adolph found the back of the net late in the first half and a bend-but-don't-break defense preserved the shutout from there as the Storm (3-2) moved back above the .500 mark.

"I thought we bounced back well after a poor performance on Saturday," head coach Ryan Sander said, referencing a 1-0 loss to Millikin. "It was nice to get a two-goal lead going into the second half knowing we would be defending against the wind."

Stucky got things started in the 38th minute. The sophomore took an offering from Kasey McCreary from six yards out and went left of the keeper for the first goal of her career.

Just over three minutes later Adolph made it a two-goal advantage. She set up from 20 yards out and hammered a high liner that deflected off keeper Emily Dierks' hand and into the net.

"Alex's shot was well-placed and Heather's was on a rope," Sander said. "In both instances we created a scoring opportunity and took advantage of it, something we failed to do last Saturday."

Megan Petersen earned her 15th career shutout, but it didn't come easy. The Prairie Wolves (0-4-1) dialed up the attack in the second 45, out-shooting Simpson 11-3 in the half.

Petersen closed the day with nine saves.

"Megan continued her great play in the net and came up with some amazing saves," Sander said. "The defense was put under for most of the second half, but we did well shelling out and preserving our lead."

Dierks made five saves in goal for the Nebraska Wesleyan.

The Storm travel to Naperville, Ill. this weekend for a pair of non-conference contests. Simpson faces Fontbonne on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. and North Central on Sunday at Noon.