The Simpson College softball team delivered a dominant performance on April 14, as they swept the University of Dubuque in a home doubleheader behind strong pitching and an explosive offense.

The Storm wasted no time getting started in game one, when they erupted for six runs in the first inning. Junior Katie Shaner began with a bunt and scored two runs. Then, with the bases loaded, sophomore Gracie Bruening followed with a hit by pitch. Senior Caelynn Obleton added an RBI single, and junior Brynn Ortlund added another RBI groundout. 

Simpson added to its lead in the second inning with a sacrifice fly from sophomore Addison Gookin and an RBI single by junior Brielyn Ginnaty. Ginnaty later delivered a big home run to secure a strong 9-0 win. 

“We were just firing on all sides of the ball in game one,” Ginnaty said. “Marina (Cronin) was doing her job in the circle, which took the pressure off of me and the rest of our hitters. I was able to comfortably get into the box and do my job well because I knew I was being supported by my defense and our pitching.”

Sophomore pitcher Cronin was dominant in the circle as she threw a complete game shutout. She allowed four hits, no walks and struck out two, keeping the offense of Dubuque off the scoreboard throughout the game.

At the plate, Ginnaty led the way with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, including a home run and three RBIs. Senior Megan Heidelbauer also contributed, going 2-for-2 with a double, scoring twice and walking once.

In game two, the Storm followed a similar pattern. After two scoreless innings, the Storm broke the game open in the third with six runs. Senior Ashlyn Steen started the rally with an RBI single, and Heidelbauer followed with a home run.

Gookin added a triple to right center later in the inning, and Ginnaty added to her standout day with her second home run of the doubleheader, extending the lead to 6-0.

Steen helped seal the victory in the fourth inning, blasting a two-run home run to make it 8-0 and put the game out of reach.

Senior Emma LaFave matched Cronin’s performance in game two, throwing a complete game shutout of her own. She only allowed two hits over five innings while striking out four and walking three.

Steen led Simpson offensively in the second game, going 2-for-2 with a home run, three RBIs, two runs scored and a stolen base. Heidelbauer and Ginnaty also added home runs as the Storm lineup stayed hot.

“I also have to mention how nice the weather was,” Ginnaty said. “When the weather is hot so are the bats.”