Simpson Softball Hosts Luther for Doubleheader Today

13th ranked Storm look to open conference play strong against visiting Norse

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of blue, green, and orange, depicting the dynamic action and multiple perspectives of a softball game.A cubist interpretation of the competitive energy and strategic movements of a high-stakes conference softball matchup.Pella Today

The 13th-ranked Simpson College softball team is hosting a conference-opening doubleheader against Luther College today. The Storm enter the series with a 19-4 overall record and 2-2 mark in American Rivers Conference (ARC) play, while Luther is 12-8 and 3-1 in the ARC. Simpson leads the conference in several offensive categories, led by senior Ashlyn Steen's .513 batting average. In the circle, sophomore Marina Cronin paces the ARC with a 1.58 ERA and 58 strikeouts.

Why it matters

This early-season conference matchup between two of the top teams in the ARC will provide an important gauge of the Storm's title hopes, as they look to build on their strong start and claim a conference championship.

The details

Simpson is coming off an Easter Sunday sweep at Coe, while Luther split a doubleheader with Coe earlier this week. The Norse are led offensively by sophomore Mya Larsen (.383 batting average) and in the circle by senior Isabelle Staton (2.86 ERA).

  • The doubleheader is scheduled for today, April 11, 2026.
  • Coverage on 94.3 KNIA will begin at 2:45 p.m.

The players

Ashlyn Steen

A senior on the Simpson softball team who is batting .513 this season, the 23rd best average in the country.

Marina Cronin

A sophomore pitcher for Simpson who leads the American Rivers Conference with a 1.60 ERA and is second in the conference with 58 strikeouts.

Mya Larsen

A sophomore on the Luther College softball team who is batting .383 this season.

Isabelle Staton

A senior pitcher for Luther College who has a 2.86 ERA this season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This early-season conference matchup between two of the top teams in the ARC will provide an important gauge of Simpson's title hopes, as they look to build on their strong start and claim a conference championship.