SANTEE, Calif. - The Ottawa University Arizona softball team split their doubleheader at San Diego Christian College Friday afternoon. The Spirit fell in the first game by a score of 6-0, but won the second game 8-4.
 
With the win and the loss, the Spirit's record is 8-32.
 
In the first inning, the Hawks of San Diego Christian jumped ahead scoring three runs. The Spirit were able to hold the Hawks to their three-run lead through the third inning, playing good defense and forcing the Hawks to leave runners on base.
 
The Hawks scored three more times to end game one of the doubleheader 6-0.
 
Game two was a battle between both teams keeping each other from scoring in the first two innings. The Spirit struck first with a two-RBI single from Emily Stebbins. The Hawks responded with a run of their own. In the fifth inning, the Hawk's shortstop made an error with bases loaded to give KaeLynn Miller the run.
 
With a two-run lead over the Hawks, the Spirit came alive in the sixth. KaeLynn Miller's bunt encouraged San Diego Christian's pitcher to overthrow first allowing Miranda Davis and Gabrielle Rodriguez to score. The Spirit scored three more times in the sixth. A single RBI from Stebbins, a walk that forced in a run, and a sacrifice fly gave the Spirit an eight to one lead over the Hawks.
 
San Diego tried to respond in the seventh inning scoring three runs, but it wasn't enough, and the Spirit finished the game 8-4.
 
Sabrina Jimenez earned the win, striking out four batters and only giving up one walk. Emily Stebbins led her team with four hits and three RBIs.
 
The Spirit move onto playing the University of Saint Katherine Saturday, April 7th. The doubleheader starts at 11:00 am in Encinitas, CA.
   
 
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.