SURPRISE, Ariz. -The Ottawa Arizona softball team dropped both of their games Friday afternoon to 6th ranked Hope International University. OUAZ fell 13-4 in a final 5-innings in a game one and fell 11-0 in game two at Willow Canyon High School in Surprise.
 
With the losses, the Spirit's record is at 8-38. The Royals record improves to 39-5.
 
In this final home game of the season, the Spirit competed against the Hope International Royals, currently ranked 6th in the NCCAA. The first inning showed the prowess of the Royals as they scored four runs. However, the Spirit rallied earning three runs and keeping the Royals to only a one run score in the second. Savannah Brown scored on an RBI single from Miranda Davis. Kayla Jones scored on a misplayed grounder by the Royals, and Miranda Davis scored to give KaeLynn Miller an RBI single.
 
Both teams, in the third, had runners in scoring position, but both defenses only let one run through for each side. The Royals would take control of the game in the fourth and fifth scoring seven runs between both to end the game after five.
 
In the second game of the doubleheader, the Spirit started with some good defensive moves in the top of the first inning. Savannah Brown caught the Royals stealing for the 2-6 put-out.
 
The Royals scored early and often in this game. The Spirit tried to rally in the fifth inning, but the Royals were able to hold onto their lead and end the game in five innings.
 
The Spirit complete their regular season Tuesday, April 17th at Arizona Christian University with a doubleheader starting at 4:00 pm (AZ time).
   
 
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 Twitter twitter.com/OUAZSpirit.