Storm Softball ranked 14th in new NCAA NPI Ranking

INDIANOLA, Iowa - In the first ever release of the new NCAA NPI ranking, the Simpson Softball team ranked 14th overall nationally and second in the region.

New this season, the NPI is a computer model used to determine seeding and at-large bids to the NCAA Division III Softball Championship tournament. The tournament will include 62 teams including 41 automatic Pool A bids, one Pool B bid and 20 at-large Pool C bids. At-large selections will be awarded to the 20 highest ranked teams, according to the NPI, remaining following the Pool A and B selections.

Simpson enters the weekend 21-3 overall, with a 2-2 record in conference action after series splits against Dubuque and Nebraska Wesleyan. Simpson's NPI score of 63.106 has the Storm narrowly behind Saint Mary's (Minn.) 63.187 for the top spot in Region IX.

The Storm feature the top offense in the American Rivers Conference, scoring 7.67 runs per game, while boosting the top pitching staff with a team ERA of 1.97.

Leading the Storm's offense is first baseman Megan Heidelbauer with her .525 avg with nine home runs and 38 RBIs. The junior was named to the A-R-C Player of the Week on March 24 and was recently named to the NFCA Division III Pitcher and Player of the Year watchlist. Alongside her at the top of the lineup is center fielder Ashlyn Steen. Steen has posted a .430 batting average with three home runs, 18 RBIs and a conference-leading 20 stolen bases.

Inside the circle, the Storm are led by Alyssa Breckner and Kylee Tucker. Tucker has appeared in 11 games, sporting a 1.16 ERA with a 6-0 record on 36 innings pitched and 20 strikeouts. Meanwhile for Breckner, the sophomore has seen action in 11 games, and holds a 1.60 ERA over 43.2 innings pitched with 23 strikeouts.

Simpson returns to action this Saturday, April 12 with a doubleheader against Buena Vista starting at 1:00 p.m.