Simpson overcomes slow start, moves to 5-1

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Simpson came out of the gates slowly Saturday night but sprinted to a strong finish in a 72-44 win over Cornell at Cowles Fieldhouse. 

After putting up only 11 points in the first 10 minutes of play, the Storm (5-1, 2-0 IIAC) closed the first half on a 26-11 run and never saw its lead dip below 20 in the final period.

Stacey Schutjer notched 20-plus points for the fourth time in six games this season with 22 and the Simpson defense had 23 steals in the route. In all, the Rams (4-4, 1-1 IIAC) committed 31 turnovers, leading to 34 points for the Storm.

Mindy Hutchcroft led the defensive charge with six steals, followed by Schutjer with four. Schutjer added a pair of blocks while Jeni Hegstrom and Emily Smith led the way with seven rebounds a-piece. Alicia Fischer came off the bench to dish out a game-high five assists.

The Storm jumped out to an early 11-2 advantage before surrendering six-unanswered from the Rams. Leading 11-8, Amy Hamilton connected on her only three-pointer of the night, pushing the lead to 14-8. Simpson kept the pressure on, taking a 37-19 lead into the locker room.

Schutjer scored the first five points of the second half and the Rams never threatened the rest of the way.

Camille Marie-Lidd posted a double-double for Cornell with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Simpson will enjoy one more home game before the holiday break, hosting Grand View Dec. 12 in a 3 p.m. tipoff at Cowles Fieldhouse.