WAVERLY, Iowa-- The Wartburg softball team (11-9 overall, 1-3 IIAC) split the doubleheader with Simpson (17-3, 3-1) Thursday.

The Storm were able to hold off the seventh inning rally by the Knights to take the first game, 5-4. Simpson took the early 2-0 lead in the first, two in the fifth and one in the six to lead 5-0. Junior Kailee O'Brien (Altoona) drove in freshman Leah Campos (Diamond, Ill.) with her single up the middle. Senior Mara Forsyth (Charles City) drew a bases loaded walk, and freshman Camille Colen (West Sacramento, Calif.) hit a two-run single to right field to make it 5-4. The next batter was retired to end the rally.

O'Brien went 3-4 with one run and one RBI.

In the finale, Forsyth gave Wartburg the 1-0 lead in the second with her solo shot that hit the scoreboard. Pinch runner senior Sara Grabowski (Plainfield, Ill.) scored from second on classmate Erica Countryman's (Plainfield, Ill.) single up the middle in the third to take the 2-0 lead.

This remained the score until the seventh when the Storm scored from first on a double to centerfield to make it 2-1. The next batter grounded out to give the win to the Knights.

Forsyth was 2-2 and O'Brien was 2-3.

Freshman Maddie Rog (Norridge, Ill.) pitched 6.2 innings and struck out four to earn the win. Classmate Lauren Reicks (Cresco) earned her second save of the season.

The Orange and Black take to the road Saturday to face Loras.