Storm erupt for five goals in rout of Grinnell

GRINNELL, Iowa -- After a slow start in the first half, the Simpson College women's soccer team erupted for four goals in the second stanza to capture a 5-2 victory at Grinnell on Wednesday.

"Tonight felt like a score line we've been earning over the last couple of weeks," said head coach Jeremy Reinert. "The goals were on their way tonight and we just had to stay patient."

This is the second time the Storm (3-1-0) have scored at least five goals in a contest under Reinert, joining a 7-0 triumph against Buena Vista on March 30, 2021.

Junior Cassie Nash and sophomore Hailey Kowzan were credited with two goals each during the contest, the second time they have both accomplished that feat in a match together. The previous instance occurred in the aforementioned showdown against the Beavers.

Nash opened the scoring lid in the 40th off a pass from junior Cambri Mason to take a slim lead over the Pioneers (1-4-0).

Kowzan netted her first goal of the season in the 56th minute coming from a dish from freshman Jordyn Foelske. Nash responded with another goal in the 58th minute before junior Lizzie Arnburg buried her first of the season in the 60th.

"Hailey's first goal really sent a spark through our group," Reinert said. "It was a hard-working goal that she buried into the net that had some authority and energized our group."

In a matter of six minutes, Simpson scored four goals after Kowzan connected on her second in the 63rd to place the match at 5-0.

Sophomore Brenny Frederick saved three shots in her 69 minutes of work to keep Grinnell off the scoreboard.

"I thought the defensive adjustments we made in the second half really led to the offensive success," Reinert said. "The defensive unit will not get the glory in the stat line, but for the first 70-75 minutes, we really felt comfortable and I thought our defense was in control."

The Pioneers scored two late goals in the second half to avoid being shut out for the fourth time this season.

The offense ended with a 16-9 shot advantage, with only five taking place in the second half. Nash led the way with seven attempts, while sophomore Julia Wagoner had three.

"We needed this tonight," he said. "We've generated some real momentum to carry with us as we prepare for the final stretch of our nonconference schedule."

Up Next
The Storm hit the road to travel to Wisconsin-Eau Claire for a 1 p.m. game this Saturday. Simpson ends the weekend with a 4 p.m. contest at Wis.-River Falls on Sunday.