SURPRISE, ARIZ. - The OUAZ women's basketball team played its first game in the brand-new Faith Arena on Saturday. While it was a joyous occasion that saw the years of hard work pay off in the form of a great facility, the Spirit were unable to get the result they wanted.

Benedictine-Mesa's McKenzie Alton scored 24 points of 9-16 shooting, plus Leah Goodman and Gabby Zagari added 14 points as the RedHawks defeated the Spirit 81-56. It was the first loss in NAIA competition for OUAZ this season.

The Spirit were active on the glass, as they outrebounded Benedictine-Mesa 46-33. OUAZ was also great on offensive rebounds, grabbing 17 of them, but only putting in five second-chance points.

OUAZ was hindered by its shooting on the day as well. They shot 31.1% (19-61) from the field, and seven of those makes came from behind the arc. The free throws were not falling as well, as the Spirit were 11-16 (68.8%) from the charity stripe.

Kate Sovoloka led OUAZ with 14 points, and Vanessa Barriga scored 10. Natasa Radovic had 11 rebounds and Tyra Porter grabbed nine of her own.

The Spirit take the court at Faith Arena next Wednesday, November 20 against SAGU American Indian College. The rematch against the Warriors is scheduled for 7pm Arizona Time.