SURPRISE, Ariz. — With the 2026 season fast approaching, the OUAZ Spirit softball team has unveiled a competitive slate that features 24 doubleheaders, a strong mix of GSAC rivals and national opponents, and an extended early-season homestand at Willow Canyon High School. The Spirit are ready to build on last year's success and make another push toward the top of the conference standings.

The campaign begins with back-to-back doubleheaders against Bethesda, opening at home on January 30 at 4 p.m. and continuing the next day on January 31 at noon. OUAZ's February schedule continues the home stretch, hosting Oregon Tech (Feb. 10), Simpson (Feb. 12), British Columbia (Feb. 13), and Bushnell (Feb. 14) in a challenging non-conference lineup that will test the team early.

The Spirit stay home for most of the month, welcoming Nobel (Feb. 20) and Nelson (Feb. 28) before wrapping up the first month of competition with another home doubleheader against Mount Marty (Mar. 2).

OUAZ hits the road for the first time in March, opening GSAC play at Hope International with doubleheaders on Mar. 6–7 before heading to the Tucson Invitational (Mar. 10 and Mar. 16) for additional non-conference matchups. The Spirit then return home for key GSAC battles against Benedictine Mesa (Mar. 13–14) before traveling west to face La Sierra (Mar. 19–20) and Nelson (Mar. 31).

The Spirit close the regular season in April with a stretch of high-stakes conference play. OUAZ hosts Embry-Riddle (Apr. 10–11) and Arizona Christian (Apr. 17–18) at Willow Canyon before finishing the season on the road at Park Gilbert (Apr. 23–24) — a series that could have major GSAC Tournament implications.

With a home-heavy start, competitive non-conference matchups, and key GSAC rivalries, the 2026 OUAZ softball season promises plenty of excitement and opportunities for the Spirit to make their mark.

Click HERE for the full schedule.