The Simpson softball team is ranked seventh in the latest regional rankings according to the NCAA, sporting a 24-12 record and 7-7 in American Rivers Conference play. Simpson has run the gauntlet this season, facing seven teams in the national rankings so far including Southern Maine, the University of Chicago, Bellhaven, and Hope in non-conference action, in addition to Central, Coe, and Wartburg in American Rivers Conference play.

Simpson currently leads the conference in doubles, triples, hit-by-pitch, and on-base percentage, and is second in home runs, RBI’s, and walks. In the pitching circle, ace Taryan Barrick-Wessels is second in ERA with a 1.70, with Madi Peterson seventh in the conference with a 2.33 ERA.

Assistant Coach Callie Dutton tells KNIA Sports part the pitchers success with limiting runs has been the infield defense, which the pitchers play a big part of.

“They’ve been doing a really great job. The beginning of the season was really rough, me and the catching coach Addy Pender spent a lot of time together with them working on simple throws to first, having a little sway for momentum so they don’t throw it into the ground. There has been great improvement, they have been doing a great job.”

Hear more from Coach Dutton on Today’s Lely Radio Sports Page. The Storm have a crucial doubleheader with Luther at home tomorrow, looking to clinch an American Rivers Conference tournament position.