SURPRISE, Ariz. – OUAZ Spirit softball (3-5) dropped their first doubleheader of the season, falling to Embry-Riddle 6-3 and 18-2. The losses leave the Spirit 3-5 on the very young season. 

GAME 1: OUAZ 3, Embry-Riddle 6
The Spirit were three batters into the first inning with runners on first and second when junior Kelli Samorano delivered a 3-run homer, the first of her career. Sadly, Samorano's only hit of the day would give Ottawa its only runs of the day. 

The Spirit were able to get eight hits off of 29 at bats (.276), their third most hits of the season, but they struck out seven times, left six runners stranded, and allowed six runs between the 3rd and 7th innings.

Pitcher Alexandra McCutcheon, RECORD, allowed 14 hits and three walks, striking out five batters while taking the loss. 

GAME 2: OUAZ 1, Embry-Riddle 18 
The nightcap got out of hand quickly as the Spirit gave up 18 runs for the game that was called after five innings. 

The Spirit got their lone run on a RBI single from Samorano who was 3-1 in the game. Junior pitcher Jazmine Ayala recorded her fourth loss of the season.

UP NEXT:
OUAZ will look for redemption next Friday, Feb. 10 when they play a rematch doubleheader against Embry-Riddle at 2 p.m. MT and 4:00 p.m. MT.