The Simpson College volleyball team capped their season with another trip to the NCAA Championship tournament. By beating Wartburg 3-0 in the championship match of the IIAC tournament, the Storm punched its ticket to St. Louis for a shot at the national title.

Eighth-ranked Carthage (IL) awaited Simpson in the first round of the NCAA Central Region Championship, which was hosted by Washington University (Mo.) Entering the match at 31-5, Carthage proved to be too much for the Storm, defeating them in three games (25-18, 25-16, 25-21.)

Sophomore Megan Dunlavy led the Storm with 13 kills while committing only one attack error. Senior Tara Christensen finished her career at Simpson by dishing out 28 assists. Senior Brittany Friesth made 19 digs in her final match in the Red and Gold.

This was Simpson’s third trip to the NCAA tournament in the last four years, making it to the second round in 2006. The 2009 team finished at 21-14 (7-1 IIAC). They won the regular season conference title along with the conference tournament.

Christensen and senior Lara Gillespie earned first-team all conference honors this year. It was the third straight season Christensen has been named to the first team as a setter. Senior Whitney Oviatt and Friesth earned second team honors and junior Amy Schuster was named honorable mention.