SURPRISE, Ariz. – This week OUAZ Spirit will head on their first true road trip, heading to the golden state for a pair of doubleheaders. On Thursday (Feb. 16) the Spirit will take on La Sierra in Riverside followed by a doubleheader against Saint Katherine on Friday (Feb. 17).
Last Series:
- In their second doubleheader against Embry-Riddle AZ, the Spirit saw their first pair of wins by way of an 8-4 run in game one and a close 9-8 finish in game two.
- The wins marked only the second and third time in program history that the Spirit have come away with a win against the Eagles, and first time since 2018.
- The series saw:
- Pitcher Sadie Levandowski earning her third and fourth wins of the season, with two strikeouts and only 10 hits in six innings across the two games.
- Alexandra McCutcheon earning a save with three strikeouts in the final two innings of game one, and, as a starter in game two, giving up four hits and clinching three strikeouts in four innings.
- 14 total hits, 17 total runs, a three run homer by Lauren Russell, and a batting average of .281 all off of 53 at bats.
History:
- La Sierra:
- In their one and only matchup, The Spirit fell to La Sierra 4-3 back in 2018.
- Saint Katherine:
- A frequent opponent of the OUAZ Spirit, Saint Katherine has a split program record of 5-5.
- Their last matchup resulted in a 0-3 loss for the Spirit at home.
- The last four meetings have taken place in Surprise with the pair not facing off in Encinitas since 2019.
In the Rankings:
- The Spirit started the season at No. 3 in the GSAC Preseason Coaches Poll and was just points away from breaking into the NAIA's Preseason Top-25 Poll, receiving a total of 79 points.
