Schutjer takes home MVP honors

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - Sophomore forward Stacey Schutjer shot a perfect 7-for-7 from the field, brought down nine rebounds and swatted four blocks in leading No. 25 Simpson to a 95-71 victory over North Central in the championship game of the 2009 NCC/Holiday Inn Select Tip-Off Tournament at Gregory Arena on Saturday.

After scoring a career-high 21 points in Friday's 92-56 win over Olivet, Schutjer scored 19 on Saturday, earning Tournament MVP honors. Schutjer averaged 20 points and six rebounds per game while shooting a scorching 84.2 percent (16-of-19).

Senior Katie Kitzman led four Simpson scorers in double-digits with 21 points, adding four assists and four steals while joining Schutjer on the all-tournament team. Amy Hamilton had 17 points and Mindy Hutchcroft added 13 for the Storm (2-0), which won the NCC/Holiday Inn Select Tip-Off Tournament for the first time since 2001.

Hutchcroft had four steals and Darrina Bledsoe handed out four assists.

After Simpson jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the first two minutes, NCC battled back and tied the game at 26 with 10:31 remaining until halftime. From there, Schutjer and the Storm took over.

Leading 29-28, Simpson went on a 19-6 run to close the half, with nine coming from Schutjer. With a comfortable 58-34 lead at the half, NCC would not get any closer than 22 points in the final 20 minutes.

Jackie Errico scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Cardinals (1-1). Kaelyn Witkowski added 13 points in only six minutes of action and Latrice Newson led the team with eight rebounds.

Simpson will take part in its own tournament next weekend when it hosts the First Annual Simpson Classic Nov. 26-27. Nebraska Wesleyan, UW-Whitewater and Buena Vista will all take part in the four-team tournament held at Simpson's Cowles Fieldhouse. Simpson is scheduled to face NWU Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Whitewater Saturday at 3:30 p.m.