SURPRISE, ARIZ. – The Spirit were looking to get gain momentum into conference play with its doubleheader against Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Friday. Instead, the offense had a hard time finding its groove, and the Eagles scored all its runs in two innings, as the Spirit were swept by the at Willow Canyon High School.
Game 1 – ERAU 6, OUAZ 0
The Eagles scored six runs in the second innings, and that was all they needed as they held OUAZ to just four hits the rest of the way. Mikaeli Davidson struck out five Spirit batters without issuing a walk for her second win of the season.
Pheobe Popplewell was exceptional in the circle in relief of
Alexandra McCutcheon. The freshman allowed only two hits and a walk in 5.1 innings while striking out two batters as well.
All of Embry-Riddle's runs came with two outs, and was started by a solo home run on a 3-2 count from Diana Montano. Aleena Alexander drove in two more with a double, Kate Delaney took a walk to bring in one and Davidson singled home two more before the Spirit got the final out.
Heliana Bueno was able to find success at the plate, putting together a 2 for 3 performance with two doubles.
Mashayla Beltran sped around the base paths for a triple and
Jorden Jefferson had a hit.
Game 2 – ERAU 5, OUAZ 1
It was another tough game at the dish for OUAZ, as they once again only mustered up four hits.
Heliana Bueno stayed hot, going 1 for 3 and scoring a run.
Kelsey Cook drove her in with a one-out single to give the Spirit a lead for the first time on Friday.
The lead did not last long however, as the Eagles once again only needed one inning to do all its damage. Embry-Riddle scored five runs in the top of the fourth inning, and the Spirit got two hits with its final 12 outs. Montano delivered the big blow for ERAU with her two-RBI single down the right field line.
OUAZ's Saturday doubleheader with Benedictine-Mesa has been officially cancelled due to threat of inclement weather. The Spirit will return to the field next Friday as they open up Golden State Athletic Conference play against Menlo in a doubleheader at Willow Canyon High School.
