Spartans Sweep #12 Simpson Storm
Apr 7, 2013 | UD Sports Info
DUBUQUE, Iowa - Last year the Spartans broke a 52 game non-winning streak against the Simpson College Storm, this year they extended their streak to three wins in a row with a sweep of the Storm on Sunday by scores of 1-0 and 6-3 in front of near capacity crowd.
Two firsts for the Spartans, UD had never started a conference season 4-0 and had never swept Simpson in their history of softball. Sunday night the Spartans sat atop the league standings with #21-ranked Central College, who remain as the only two teams undefeated in the IIAC.
In the opening game, UD held the Storm to five singles. UD's defense forced the Storm to leave six runners on base. Spartans pitcher Emily Michels faced 27 batters and struck out three while capturing the complete game and earning her seventh shutout of the year. The victory ties her as career wins leader in the school's history with 21.
The Spartans also finished with five hits scattered among Shawna Dole, Amber Meyer, Kelli Gerace, Lindsay Ellinor and Meggie Schmidt. UD was able to take advantage of the Storm's two errors and score the lone run of the game in the bottom of the third inning.
Michels started game two and tossed three complete innings before being relieved by Dionna Jensen who gave up one run after facing 16 batters. UD fell behind in the third inning 1-2 before busting out in the fourth and scoring three runs. The Spartans held the Storm to a run in the fifth before adding a pair of runs in the sixth to finish the contest leading 6-3. Jensen held the Storm scoreless in the top of the seventh inning to capture the series for the Spartans.
UD finished with seven hits, but gave up one error as the Storm ended the afternoon with four errors and six hits. Dole led with two hits in three at bats as teammate Amber Meyer finished with two RBI's. Four out of the Spartans six hits were doubles. Meyer, Kelli Gerace, Lindsay Ellinor, and pitch hitter Chelsea Hawkins all ended the day with doubles. UD would leave nine runners on base in the victory.
Unfortunately for the Spartans the schedule doesn't get any easier. UD (10-10 overall) is scheduled to play at Luther College in Decorah on Tuesday afternoon, April 9. Luther is currently ranked #9 in the country and enter with a 14-4 overall record and a 1-1 IIAC record. April 13th, UD will travel to face #21-ranked Central College in Pella (20-5 overall). Rain is predicted all week, so please check with the Spartans website for any delays or re-scheduled contests.
