The Sioux Falls Storm was, by far, the more successful of the two Sioux franchises. The team was a surprise in their first year, finishing 7-7 and getting a playoff spot. The Storm upset the 13-1 Rapid City Red Dogs, 40-25. The miracle playoff run ended in the semifinals, courtesy of a 37-31 Wyoming victory. The Storm improved to 8-6 the following year, but was not awarded a playoff spot. The team avenged the Wyoming loss early in the year, 46-3. Five of the six losses came on the road. Road losses would haunt the franchise for the next few years. In 2003, the Storm was 10-4. The four losses were all on the road, including a three-game losing streak to Bismarck, Utah, and Ft. Wayne. Two of these games were blowouts. After splitting the regular season series with Utah, the Storm lost in the first round of the postseason on the road, 68-55. In 2004, it was nothing but more improvement for the franchise. This time, the Storm was 11-3. As usual, all three losses were on the road. In the postseason, the Storm defeated Utah and Billings at home to advance to the Indoor Bowl. The Storm lost to the Lexington Horsemen, 59-38. Throughout their NIFL history, the Storm dominated their rival, the Sioux City Bandits. Following the 2004 season, the Sioux Falls Storm moved to the UIF.