STORM LAKE, Iowa – Kate Nielsen came within a rebound of a double-double and the Simpson women's basketball team played an efficient game offensively in a 67-45 win over Gustavus Adolphus at the Buena Vista Classic on Friday.
Nielsen scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Storm (4-0), who remain undefeated on the season. Chelsie Rohrs and Morgan Mauro added 11 points apiece and Rohrs, Mauro and Whitney Van Wyk all hit three, 3-pointers.
Simpson committed only eight turnovers as a team while handing out 20 assists, easily its most efficient game of the season. Nielsen, Kelsie Reeves and Maddie Bosworth had four assists each.
Simpson's defensive effort provided the difference in the game, turning 24 Gustavus Adolphus turnovers into 34 points.
Kelsey Florian scored 12 points and Abby Rothenbuehler pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds for the Gusties (0-1).
Simpson led the whole way, racing out to a 16-3 lead thanks in large part to the play of Nielsen. The senior scored eight points in the first eight minutes to pace the Storm. Simpson led by as many as 26 in the second half.
The Storm close the Buena Vista Classic when they play Northland at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24.