The OUAZ softball team looks to extend its best start in program history as they close out its non-conference stretch before they head into Golden State Athletic Conference play. Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) comes to Surprise for a doubleheader on Friday night, and the Spirit head to the East Valley on Saturday afternoon for its first road games of the season against Benedictine-Mesa.

The last time the Spirit hosted the Eagles at Willow Canyon High School, each team picked up a win. OUAZ lost 8-4 on Jan. 26, but bounced back with a 12-8 victory the next day for the program's first ever win. OUAZ made the trip up north to Prescott Valley later that same season, losing 10-2 in six innings. There was no meeting between the two programs last season.

Saturday's doubleheader will be two of the four meetings between the Spirit and Redhawks this season. The teams have played a home-and-home doubleheader series each OUAZ's first two season as a program, and BenU leads the series 6-2. Despite getting swept in 2018, the Spirit split last season's matchups, winning a game at home and one on the road.

Andraya Rhinehart has had an exceptional start to her collegiate career, as she is hitting .406 with an OPS of 1.000 to go along with five RBIs. Her six stolen bases are 20th in the NAIA and her ten total attempts are fourth most in the country.

The pitching staff has been solid for OUAZ early, as all three pitchers have an ERA under 3. As a staff, Bailey Coronado, Phoebe Popplewell, and Alexandra McCutcheon have struck out 61 total batters, the sixth most in the NAIA.

While Embry-Riddle's 5-7 may not indicate a great start to the season, they have defeated four ranked teams in 2020. That list includes top-ranked Southern Oregon, (19)College of Idaho, (24)Corban, and GSAC member (11)Hope International.

Benedictine-Mesa are looking to turn its season around from the 2-6 start. They have picked up wins over Taylor College and Park University, two school that the Spirit have also defeated. Marisa Coleman leads the way for the Redhawks, as she is hitting .500 with five doubles, a triple, a home run and five RBIs in 26 at bats.

Live stats and video of both games can be found at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/ottawaaz/. Friday's doubleheader at Willow Canyon High School is scheduled for 5PM, and Saturday's doubleheader at Seton Catholic Prepartory is slated for Noon.