Storming back with one of the most dramatic rallies in program history, the Simpson College softball team erupted for 11 runs in the seventh inning to punch its ticket to the regional final.
Trailing 6-1 entering the final frame, the Storm offense exploded for 11 runs on six hits while capitalizing on multiple defensive miscues to completely flip the game on its head.
Mackenzie James began the inning with a leadoff single before Simpson loaded the bases and got on the board after Gracie Bruening was hit by a pitch to force in a run. Caelynn Obleton followed with a two-run fielder’s choice that cut the deficit even further before Brynn Ortlund ripped an RBI single up the middle to continue the momentum.
After Ashlyn Steen worked a walk to load the bases again, Megan Heidelbauer drove in another run while another defensive error allowed Simpson to tie the game. James then delivered one of the biggest hits of the afternoon, crushing a two-run double down the left field line to give the Storm the lead.
Katie Shaner added an RBI single later in the inning before Bruening capped the unbelievable comeback with a two-run single to right field, pushing the seventh-inning total to 11 runs.
Heidelbauer gave Simpson the initial spark, launching a solo home run in the opening inning to put the Storm on the board first. Saint Benedict (34-10), which came into the game on a 23-game winning streak, answered with a five-run fifth inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from Lauren Freeberg after Cat Smetana delivered a two-run single.
The Storm will play for the regional title at 11 a.m. on Saturday. A win would secure the championship and punch Simpson’s ticket forward, while a loss would send the teams into a winner-take-all game at 1:30 p.m.
