Simpson bounces back with win over No. 21 Capital

SAN DIEGO - Amy Hamilton hit four three-pointers and led three players in double figures as Simpson overpowered No. 21 Capital, 81-53 at the Surf N' Slam San Diego Hoop Classic on Tuesday.

Hamilton enjoyed her best offensive performance in over a month, scoring 16 points off 6-of-11 shooting. Katie Kitzman added 14 points and Jessica Fraser came off the bench to score 12 for the No. 23 Storm (8-2), which responded nicely from a humbling 84-47 loss to Point Loma Nazarene in the tournament opener Monday. 

Point guard Darrina Bledsoe played a big role in the Storm's 56.5 percent shooting percentage, dishing out a career-high nine assists.

With the win, Simpson will face Bridgewater State at 5 p.m. CST Wednesday. The Bears (3-6) lost to PLNU earlier in the day, 75-53. For complete tournament coverage, including Live Stats, click here.

A junior from Ames, Iowa, Hamilton's four treys were the most since she knocked down five in consecutive contests in late November. Tuesday's performance marked her best offensive output since pouring in 25 against Nebraska Wesleyan Nov. 27.

Despite Hamilton's stroke from the outside, the game was decided under the basket. Simpson outscored the Ohio-based Crusaders (7-3) 36-8 in the lane and held a 37-27 edge on the boards.

Reserve post Ali Sokol led the effort on the glass, pulling down a game-high nine rebounds to go along with eight points.

Simpson never trailed in the contest and used a 15-3 run in opening a 19-7 lead with 12:01 remaining in the first half. The lead grew to 45-25 at the break and peaked at 39 points following a Sokol jumper mid-way through the second half.

Shelby Strain led Capital with 12 points.