SURPRISE, Ariz. – Three players scored in double figures as the OUAZ women's basketball team won its season opener 91-61 over Saint Katherine on Saturday afternoon at Willow Canyon High School.
 
After Saint Katherine (0-1) scored the first six points of the game, OUAZ (1-0) put together a 25-9 run that featured eight points from Bailey Osmer. That helped the Spirit build a 46-24 halftime lead and then cruise through the second half to win the opener for the second straight year.
 
Osmer led the Spirit with 19 points to match her career high, marking the sixth time she has reached the total. She made 8 of 14 shots while adding nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
 
The Spirit shot 44.7 percent from the field with 58 points in the paint. They added 25 points from 24 offensive rebounds and scored 29 points from 26 Saint Katherine turnovers. OUAZ struggled from deep, converting just 3 of 19 attempts on 3-pointers.
 
Alexis Smith scored 16 points – going 10 of 12 at the foul line – with seven rebounds and six assists. Mai'Zhrae Zeno made 6 of 8 shots to finish with 14 points and seven rebounds.
 
OUAZ outrebounded the Firebirds 61-33 and they totaled 19 assists on 34 made baskets. USK shot 32.8 percent from the field and went 7 of 24 from beyond the arc.
 
Kylie Chan led Saint Katherine with 16 points while Amber Barnett and Monae' Hobson had 15 points apiece.
 
The Spirit are now off until November 8 when they host Benedictine Mesa at 7 p.m. at Willow Canyon High School. Monday's scheduled game with Cal Miramar has been canceled.