SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona softball team fell on Thursday evening in a doubleheader against Menlo College. The Spirit fell 9-1 in six-innings in game one and then fell 18-1 in game two.

With the losses, the Spirit fall to 3-24 overall on the season. With the victories, Menlo College improves to 13-12.

The Spirit struck first in game one. With one out and two runners on, Emily Stebbins stepped to the plate and doubled down the left field line; scoring both Ashton Aggers and Amanda Almond to give OUAZ the early 2-0 lead.

Menlo College answered right back, scoring a run in the top of the second inning, followed by two runs in the third inning to take a 3-2 lead.

Following a scoreless fourth inning, the Oaks offense struck for six runs in the fifth and two runs in the sixth to claim the 11-2 run-rule victory in six innings.

The Spirit offense finished with five hits in game one.

In game two, the Menlo offense continued their tear. The Oaks scored two runs in the first inning and another single run in the second; to take the early 3-0 lead.

The OUAZ offense struck for their first and only run in the bottom of the second inning, when Sydney Saxton scored on an error by the Menlo Oaks' shortstop.

Menlo College continued to see the ball well the rest of the way, striking for a run in the fouth, three runs in the fifth and 11 runs in the seventh inning.

OUAZ finished game two with five hits; just like in game one. Sydney Saxton finished 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored.

The Spirit return to action on Friday afternoon against the University of Antelope Valley Pioneers. Friday's doubleheader will begin at 12 Noon at Willow Canyon High School in Surprise.
   
 
 
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.