Storm tally shutout win in home opener

INDIANOLA, Iowa -- Under the Buxton Stadium lights for the first time this season, the Simpson women's soccer team did not let the pressure get to them as they won 2-0 over William Penn Wednesday evening.

For the first time since the 2011 season, the Storm start the season 2-0. In order to accomplish this feat, Simpson had to use two second half goals to capture the nonconference win over the Statesmen (2-1-0).

Cami Schmalz connected on the game-winner in the 54th minute off a pass from Madisen Strecker. Strecker booted a free kick from 30 yards out in front of the net and Schmalz was able to corral it and place it above William Penn's goalie for the 1-0 advantage.

Strecker was on the giving end once again for the team's second score, this time coming off a corner kick. The junior lofted the ball to freshman Abby Cozzoni, who then passed it to Miki Schmidt, who was able to tap it in for her first career goal. Cozzoni notched her first career assist on the play and Strecker pushed her season total to two.

The attack was still on in the 79th minute for Simpson, but the team could not capitalize. Tatum Tremain sent a cross to a running Schmalz, who sent the ball sailing towards the net, but the Statesmen goalie was there to stop it and Schmidt was there for the rebound, but the keeper tallied another save to hault the scoring chances.

Baliegh Nagy tried to enter the scoring column just a few moments later with a nice header, but the ball hit off the crossbar and Nagy's rebound shot was blocked.

As a unit, Simpson rattled off 10 shots, while only giving up eight during the game. Rachel Neumann tallied her second shutout in as many games with six saves to help the clean sheet.

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The Storm travel to Wis.-Platteville on Sunday for a 4 p.m. contest.