Volleyball ends season in first round of IIAC Tournament

by Aaron Young

The Simpson women’s volleyball was shutout 3-0 by Loras College in the first round of the IIAC Tournament on Nov. 5.

Set scores from the match: 25-13, 25-22 and 25-17.

Kara Grant led the Duhawk offense, tallying a team-high nine kills in the victory. Jenna Erickson collected 14 assists from Loras’ 32 kills in the three sets, while Micaela Mertens posted 13 digs on the night.

Sophomore outside hitter Tabitha Blaser headed the Storm’s offensive attack, recording a team-high eight kills out of 35 attempts. Junior setter Rebekah Kimzey notched nine assists and senior outside hitter/defensive specialist Kim Rogers led Simpson with 13 digs.

The Storm finished the 2013 season 17-14 overall, 2-5 in conference play. Simpson’s 17-14 record marks the team’s first winning record since 2009.

Loras (15-16, 4-3) extends their season for one more game with the win. The Duhawks will battle Coe College in the semifinals of the IIAC Tournament on Nov. 7.