SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona softball team split their games Monday against Roosevelt University at Willow Canyon High School. The Spirit won game one by a final of 7-5, before falling 4-0 in game two.

With the split, the Spirit move to 3-20 overall on the year. Roosevelt University sees their record move to 2-5 following the split Monday.


 
Game one on Monday featured a back-and-fourth battle between the Lakers and the Spirit. Roosevelt University struck for a quick run in the top of the first inning, before OUAZ responded with a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning.
 
The Laker offense struck again in the top half of the third inning, not to be outdone by the Spirit offense; which struck for three runs in the bottom half of the third. The Spirit scored their runs on a single, a double, and cashed in on an error made by Roosevelt University.
 
Roosevelt University struck for three runs in the top of the fifth inning thanks to a single and a costly error by the Spirit defense. However, OUAZ quickly responded with an Amanda Almond triple, an Emily Stebbins single, and a Savannah Brown double to score three runs of their own.
 
The lead would hold and OUAZ snapped their losing streak and won their second home game of the season by a final of 7-5. Miranda Davis finished a perfect 4-for-4 in the leadoff spot for the Spirit with three runs scored.
 
Sabrina Jimenez won the first game in the circle, going the distance while allowing five runs; three earned on six hits with five strikeouts and five walks.
 
Game two of the doubleheader was a pitcher's duel until the very end. OUAZ starter Serenida Marquez threw six strong innings and only allowed four hits, while finishing with three strikeouts and a walk. She was pulled going into the seventh inning with a high pitch count and was replaced by Sabrina Jimenez.
 
The game one starter struggled in relief in the second game of the twin-bill, surrendering four runs; three earned on three hits in her one inning of relief.
 
The Spirit offense was unable to get their motor going in the second game, finishing with just three hits in the 4-0 loss. Vanessa Rodarte finished 2-for-3 at the plate with a single and a double. The only other baserunners for the Spirit in game two was Amanda Almond; who finished with a single, and Gabrielle Rodriguez who drew a walk.
 
The Spirit return to action tomorrow (Tuesday), to host Carroll College in a doubleheader at Willow Canyon High School in Surprise. First pitch on Tuesday is scheduled for 4pm.
   
 
 
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.