Williams' season-high 19 kills leads Storm in sweep over Buena Vista

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Emily Williams provided the firepower as her season-high 19 kills led the way in the Storm's 3-0 sweep over Buena Vista on Wednesday night.

Simpson (7-12, 1-4 A-R-C) picked up its first win in conference action, blanking the Beavers (5-17, 0-5 A-R-C) inside Cowles Fieldhouse for the first time in the 2024 season. The Storm found their rhythm near the end of the first set, and cruised in the second set to set up the sweep. With Morgan DenBeste setting up the offense with her season-best 33 assists, the Storm connected for 17 kills in the final set to secure the sweep 25-21 over Buena Vista.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the opening set, Simpson rattled off four straight side outs to open up an early 9-5 lead. Buena Vista battled back to bring the lead down to one before Williams connected on five kills down the stretch to secure the 25-19 opening result.
• The Storm wasted no time in the second set, taking a commanding 8-1 lead, highlighted by three service aces from Jada Schmidt. Another 9-2 run for the Storm helped Simpson coast to the 25-14 second set victory.
• Buena Vista rebounded early in the final set, jumping out to the 7-4 advantage. However, kills from Williams and Courtney Paxton jump started the Storm's attack as Simpson fired off a 11-1 run to regain the lead at 15-8. Buena Vista managed to cut the lead back down to one, but once again, the Storm found their footing, and capitalized on BVU errors and kills from Williams, and Paxton to close out the sweep 25-21.

STORM STANDOUTS
Emily Williams: 19 kills, 5 digs
Morgan DenBeste: 33 assists, 9 digs
Ella Meyer: 22 digs, 4 assists
Jada Schmidt: 7 kills, 4 aces
Courtney Paxton: 5 kills, 3 blocks

UP NEXT
Simpson hits the road for a three-game tournament schedule at Illinois Wesleyan, starting with Millikin on Friday, Oct. 25 at 5:00 p.m.