Simpson closes opening weekend in search of first win

WINONA, Minn. – The Simpson volleyball team suffered losses to Nebraska Wesleyan and Edgewood to close the Saint Mary's Sugarloaf Classic on Saturday.

The Storm (0-4) fell to Nebraska Wesleyan 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-19) and Edgewood 3-1 (25-21, 25-12, 24-26, 25-17).

Simpson couldn't come away with a win at the season-opening tournament, but head coach Lana Smith took some positives away from the trip, highlighting a solid group a newcomers.

"We had some encouraging performances from our new players," Smith said. "There is some good talent and leadership in the incoming class. They gave us a glimpse of our potential in the St. Thomas match [on Saturday]."

McKaylie Croghan led the team with six kills against Nebraska Wesleyan while freshman Katie Kieffer had 20 assists. Audrey Schuttler came away with 15 digs.

Simpson had its best match of the tournament against Edgewood, getting a solid performance from freshman Tabitha Blaser. Blaser ha a team-high eight kills, Kieffer had 16 assists and Sammy Nelson had 18 digs.

"We had some great long rallies with teams and some chances at win," Smith said. "But at times we lacked consistency and experience."

The Storm travel to the UW-Platteville Invitational next weekend, beginning Friday, Sept. 7.