Both Simpson and Central sport red team colors, but inside Cowles Fieldhouse on Wednesday the color of choice was pink. While helping in the fight against breast cancer, the Storm defeated the Dutch, 3-1 (25-16, 18-25, 25-19, 25-18). Simpson (12-9, 4-1 IIAC) took part in the national Dig Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Rally, which raises funds and awareness about the disease. Coaches on both teams wore pink shirts and many in the crowd also donned the color synonymous with the fight against breast cancer. “It was neat to have the Dig Pink Night,” senior outside hitter Lara Gillespie said. “It was really fun, but we wanted to keep our focus on the game.” Playing rival Central (14-7, 1-3 IIAC) during Homecoming week provided great intensity and excitement for the fans and the players.”It’s always good to beat Central, especially during Homecoming week,” Gillespie said. “But each conference game is important to us. We want to host and win the conference tournament.”Gillespie led the Storm with 13 kills and added 10 digs. Senior middle hitter Whitney Oviatt notched 11 kills and junior outside hitter Amy Schuster added 10 more. Senior setter Tara Christensen distributed 36 assists to her teammates and senior libero Brittany Friesth led the team with 15 digs. Sophomore middle hitter Megan Dunlavy contributed eight kills and three aces to the conference win.Preparation was key to success the team had Wednesday night. Gillespie said they focused on six things that would help them defeat the Dutch. Hitting the line, blocking the slide and outworking them were areas of focus during Monday’s and Tuesday’s practices.”Our thing this season is to ‘bring the ICE’ each match,” Gillespie said. “Intensity, concentration and enthusiasm. We work to bring high levels of each one.” The Storm cruised to their fourth win in their last five matches and took over second place in the conference standings. They take on the University of Dubuque for their last home match of the season on Oct. 14.