Surprise, Ariz.-- OUAZ Softball opened its home schedule with a challenging doubleheader against No. 10 Oregon Tech on Thursday, falling 9–4 in game one and 10–4 in game two at Willow Canyon High School.
Game One – Oregon Tech 9, OUAZ 4
The Owls jumped out early, scoring four runs over the first two innings to take control. OUAZ responded in the third with a strong offensive push, as Elysa Moreno singled to left to drive in two runs after advancing on a throwing error, followed by an RBI double from Alexis Jimenez to cut the deficit to 4–3. Oregon Tech extended its lead in the sixth inning with a series of unearned runs, pushing the advantage to 8–3. Savannah Sutton provided a spark for the Spirit with a solo home run in the sixth, but the Owls added an insurance run in the seventh to secure the win. Moreno led OUAZ offensively, going 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI, while Jimenez drove in a run and Sutton added her home run. Alexis Ayersman started in the circle, tossing five innings and allowing six runs (five earned), while Ava Seguin worked the final two innings in relief.
Game Two – Oregon Tech 10, OUAZ 4
OUAZ struck first in the nightcap, scoring four runs in the second inning. Ava Seguin delivered an RBI single, and Alexis Rodriguez followed with a three-run double to give the Spirit an early 4–0 advantage. Oregon Tech chipped away in the fourth before erupting for a five-run sixth inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues to take control of the game. The Owls added two more runs in the seventh to close out the sweep. Elysa Moreno again paced the Spirit, going 2-for-3, while Rodriguez finished with three RBIs and Seguin added an RBI. Stephanie Cortazar earned the start, throwing 5.2 innings with three strikeouts, and Adyson Creighton provided relief down the stretch.
OUAZ will look to bounce back on Thursday with a home doubleheader against Simpson. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Willow Canyon High School in Surprise, Arizona.
