Simpson knocked off 19th-ranked Chicago 66-53 in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship Friday night thanks in large part to a strong showing by Storm reserves. Sophomore forward Ali Sokol of Urbandale led the Storm with a career-high 18 points. Sophomore center Stacey Schutjer of Titonka and junior guard Amy Hamilton of Ames followed – each scoring 10 points. Junior guard Jeni Hegstrom lead the team with eight rebounds. Simpson shot 37 percent from the floor and 70 percent from the free-throw line to topple the Maroons. Chicago was led by sophomore guard Bryanne Halfhill who scored 15 points. Senior guard Micaela White led the team rebounds with nine. As a team, the Maroons had 51 rebounds to Simpson’s 39. The Storm are back in action tomorrow night against tournament-host Illinois Wesleyan University.The top-seeded Titans dropped Franklin College 76-52 in the opening round. Sophomore guard Olivia Lett led IWU with 19 points, followed closely by senior center Christina Sloari who had 17 points and 14 rebounds. Tip off for Saturday’s game between Simpson and Illinois Wesleyan is scheduled for 8:20 p.m.