Surprise, Ariz.-- OUAZ Women's Basketball secured an important conference victory Saturday afternoon, holding off Benedictine Mesa 69–63 inside Faith Arena. With the win, the Spirit improve to 13–10 overall and 7–7 in GSAC play as they move into the final week of the regular season.
OUAZ built momentum early, taking a 16–12 lead after the opening quarter before extending the advantage to 36–25 at halftime. Benedictine Mesa battled back in the second half and trimmed the deficit in the fourth quarter, but the Spirit made timely plays down the stretch to seal the home victory.
Jana Solee delivered a standout performance off the bench, leading all scorers with 21 points while shooting an efficient 5-of-6 from the field, knocking down three three-pointers, and converting 8-of-10 from the free-throw line. Brianna Humphries added 12 points and five assists, while Charli Cook contributed 11 points with two made three-pointers. Tiana Sledge controlled the glass with a double-double effort of 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds to anchor the Spirit inside.
As a team, OUAZ shot 44.4 percent from the field and received a strong lift from its bench with 25 points, while forcing 18 Redhawk turnovers and converting key opportunities in transition.
The Spirit will begin the final week of the regular season on the road next week when they travel to face Nelson University Arizona. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. (MST).
