Storm close first half strong, top Central by 15

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson College women's basketball team pulled away late in the first half and never looked back in a 70-55 league win over Central on Wednesday.

After a tight opening quarter that ended 20-17 in favor of the Storm, the Dutch (7-8, 2-4 A-R-C) briefly grabbed a 22-20 edge early in the second. Simpson (8-7, 4-2 A-R-C) quickly responded, closing the half on a decisive 19-2 run to create separation heading into the break. Taylor Hansen sparked the surge, knocking down three triples during the run as the Storm turned a two-point deficit into a commanding halftime advantage.

Simpson carried that momentum into the second half, opening the third quarter with eight straight points to extend the lead. The Storm continued to control the game on both ends, pushing the margin to 57-40 by the end of the period and keeping Central at arm's length the rest of the way.

STARS OF THE SHOW

• Taylor Hansen: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
• Maddax DeVault: 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
• Doryn Paup: 14 points, 6 rebounds
• Ella Anderson: 8 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists
• Reagan Grimsley: 2 points, 8 rebounds

UP NEXT
Simpson begins a three-game road stretch at Dubuque this Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.