INDIANOLA – Cornell's lineup was held in check Saturday in a pair of softball losses at Simpson, 7-0 and 9-0.
 
First-year pitcher Lexi Ellermeier kept the Rams (2-4) in a scoreless battle through four innings in Game 1. The Storm (14-6) struck for four runs in the bottom of the fifth and added three more in the sixth against reliever Hannah Rhoades to break it open.
 
Caitlin Babcock and Kaylynn Sparks tallied two hits apiece in the opener. Monet Roelle also singled for the Rams, who left six runners on base.
 
The Rams were plagued by four errors and allowed five unearned runs in the five-inning nightcap.
 
Peyton Souhrada's two-out double to left field in the top of the fifth broke up Simpson's no-hit bid. She was stranded on third base when the game ended.
 
Simpson accounted for 11 hits against three Cornell pitchers.   
 
Coming up – The Rams travel to play rival Coe (11-3) for a 2 p.m. doubleheader Wednesday in Cedar Rapids.