TUCSON, Ariz. – The OUAZ Spirit (16-8), swept their early week doubleheader on the road in Tucson. A close 6-5 finish against Northwestern (Iowa) was followed by the team's third shutout of the season, by way of a 5-0 win over St. Francis (Ill.).

GAME ONE: OUAZ 6, NORTHWESTERN (IOWA) 5

The pair of opponents spent the contest in a back-and-forth motion, with the Thunder pulling an early 2-0 lead that was quickly met with five runs from the Spirit in back-to-back innings. With a 3-run lead, the Spirit were met with three more Thunder runs, making their single run in the seventh, a crucial game-winner.

With three pitchers, Sadie Levandowski, Jazmine Ayala and Alexandra McCutcheon taking the mound, the Spirit were able to squeeze past Northwestern, pulling out the 6-5 win. In seven innings the trio allowed five runs off of 12 hits, striking out two batters.

With a combined five hits off 23 at bats, six runs were scored thanks to RBIs from five Spirit batters. 

Right fielder Charlene De Anda went 2-for-1 with two RBIs and center fielder Odalys Garcia-Peret went 3-for-2, scoring two runs in the process. 
 

GAME TWO: OUAZ 5, ST. FRANCIS (ILL.) 0

The Spirit cruised past St. Francis in game two, picking up their third shutout of the season with Jazmine Ayala and Sadie Levandowski taking the mound to secure the win. The pair allowed only two hits each, striking out one and walking none. 

The Spirit offense was hot off their first win, batting .414 with 12 hits off 29 at bats. Five Spirit batters earned RBIs on the day. 

Both Mashayla Beltran and Breanna Gonzalez went 3-for-4 with one RBI each to lead the OUAZ offense. Beltran scored two runs, the most of the day, with three other players contributing to the five run finish. 
 

UP NEXT:
The OUAZ Spirit head back on the road this weekend as they begin Conference play against Menlo (Friday, March 10; 1PM/3PM) and Jessup (Saturday, March 11; 11AM/1PM).