TUCSON, Ariz. - For the first time in program history on Thursday afternoon, the OUAZ softball team defeated a ranked opponent. The Spirit opened play at the Tucson Invitational, by defeating 21st ranked University of Jamestown by a final of 6-4. OUAZ dropped their second game of the day by a final of 1-0 to Dickinson State University.



With the split Thursday, the Spirit move to 5-28 overall.


@OUAZSB vs (#21) University of Jamestown

With Thursday signifying "March Madness" in the NCAA Division I basketball realm, the OUAZ softball team got in the spirit; pulling off the first victory over a ranked opponent in program history. The Spirit faced the 21st ranked Jamestown Jimmies and fell behind early, trailing 4-2 after four innings of play.

The Spirit offense then struck for two runs in the top of the sixth inning, when Kayla Jones hit a two-out single to right field; scoring both Emily Stebbins and Savannah Brown to even the game at 4-4.

OUAZ took the lead for good in the top of the seventh inning, scoring two runs on a Jamestown error and later in the inning on a fielder's choice.

Sabrina Jimenez took the win in relief, going two innings while allowing one hit with two strikeouts and a walk.

Emily Stebbins led the offense, finishing 2-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored and a walk.


@OUAZSB vs Dickinson State University

Following a thrilling opening game against Jamestown, the Spirit quickly returned to the diamond for a game against Dickinson State. The game started over an hour late, due to Dickinson State's first game taking extra time. The Bluehawks and the Spirit had a pitcher's duel on their hands. 

In the second game of the day, OUAZ and Dickinson State combined for one run on eight hits. Dickinson State got on the board in the bottom of the third inning following a pair of Spirit errors.

Sabrina Jimenez was untouchable against the Bluehawks, lasting all six innings while allowing one unearned run on three hits.

The Spirit will begin day two of the Tucson Invitational at 11am on Friday morning against Mayville State University. Following their game against Mayville State, OUAZ will square off against Robert Morris University from Illinois at 1:30pm.
   
 
 
About Ottawa University
Founded in 1865, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment and service to God and humanity within a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry. Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution serving 4,000 students through its residential campuses in Ottawa, Kan., and Surprise, Ariz., and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kan.; Phoenix, Queen Creek and Surprise, Ariz.; Brookfield, Wis.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; as well as online. For more information, visit www.ottawa.edu. 
 
For more information about OUAZ athletics, visit http://www.ottawa.edu/ouaz/athletics. Follow OUAZ athletics on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OUAZSpiritAthletics/ and on Twitter twitter.com/OUAZSpirit.