Simpson Softball Sweeps Luther Saturday

Storm take both games of American Rivers Conference doubleheader

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a college softball game, with the players and field fragmented into overlapping planes of bright, clashing colors.Simpson's softball team celebrates their conference sweep over rival Luther, showcasing the program's competitive drive and teamwork.Pella Today

The Simpson College softball team swept Luther College in an American Rivers Conference doubleheader on Saturday. The Storm won the first game 5-4 and the second game 5-1, improving their overall record to 21-4 and their conference record to 4-2.

Why it matters

This sweep over a conference rival keeps Simpson in contention for the American Rivers Conference title, as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The details

In the first game, Simpson struck first with a solo home run by Ashlyn Steen in the third inning and added another run in the fourth on an error. They then tacked on three more runs in the fifth inning. Luther scored two runs in the fifth and two more in the seventh, but Simpson held on for the 5-4 win. In the second game, Steen hit a two-RBI triple in the second inning to give Simpson an early 2-0 lead. The Storm added three more runs in the fourth inning, including an RBI double from Megan Heidelbauer. Luther scored one run in the sixth, but Simpson secured the 5-1 victory.

  • The doubleheader took place on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Simpson and Luther are conference rivals in the American Rivers Conference.

The players

Ashlyn Steen

A Simpson College softball player who hit a solo home run in the first game and a two-RBI triple in the second game to lead the Storm to victory.

Megan Heidelbauer

A Simpson College softball player who had an RBI single in the first game and an RBI double in the second game to contribute to the Storm's offensive production.

Marina Cronin

The Simpson College pitcher who started and completed the first game, giving up six hits and recording five strikeouts.

Brent Matthias

The head coach of the Simpson College softball team, who praised his team's ability to take advantage of opportunities against a well-coached Luther team.

Raven Allen

The Luther College player who hit a solo home run in the sixth inning of the second game to prevent the shutout.

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What they’re saying

“Luther is a really good ball club, well coached. Coach Hartl has been there 25 years in that program and they don't make a lot of mistakes so we were very concerned about playing them today. They were 3-1 coming into the games in conference and we just knew we had to put some things together and not make a lot of mistakes. We had to take advantage of the opportunities when we did get them and we did that today.”

— Brent Matthias, Head Coach, Simpson College Softball

What’s next

Simpson will look to build on this conference sweep when they take on the University of Dubuque in a doubleheader on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This dominant performance against a conference rival shows that Simpson's softball team is a force to be reckoned with in the American Rivers Conference race. Their ability to capitalize on opportunities and get contributions from multiple players bodes well for their postseason aspirations.