FULLERTON, Calif. – The OUAZ softball team couldn't pull an upset of seventh-ranked Hope International on Saturday as they dropped both games of a doubleheader. OUAZ fell in the first game 5-1 and then lost the second 2-1.
 
With the day's results, OUAZ now sits at 12-25 overall this season and they are 6-14 in GSAC play. Hope International improved to 35-8 overall and 15-3 in the conference.
 
GAME 1
Trailing 2-0 in the top of the fourth inning, the Spirit would push a run across to cut the deficit in half. Caitlyn Swisher singled to start the frame and then Emily Stebbins singled the runner to third. Jada Cruz – running for Swisher – would score on a stolen base.
 
The Spirit would leave runners on second and third in the top of the sixth inning, and then HIU posted three runs in the bottom of the inning to put the game out of reach.
 
OUAZ had just four hits in the game with two of them belonging to Stebbins.
 
Alexandra McCutcheon (5-10) threw a complete game with five runs allowed on six hits with a pair of strikeouts.
 
GAME 2
Neither team got on the board until the sixth inning when Stebbins picked up an RBI single to give the Spirit a 1-0 lead. The Royals tied the game with a solo home run in the bottom of the inning and then walked off a winner with a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning.
 
Kelly Stumper had a pair of hits in the second game to lead the 7-hit effort of the team. Swisher added a pair of walks to her RBI single.
 
Bailey Coronado (6-9) was again solid in the circle in allowing the two runs on seven hits in the complete game loss.
 
UP NEXT
The Spirit will host San Diego Christian in a GSAC doubleheader on April 13 with first pitch at Willow Canyon High School scheduled for noon.