MESA, Ariz – The Benedictine University softball team split its opening double header against Ottawa-AZ Saturday afternoon, taking game one on a walk off win, 7-6, and dropping the second game, 14-5.

GAME ONE (BEN 7, OUAZ 6):  Freshman pitcher Nancy Velez threw 5 innings in the win allowing four runs on nine hits while walking three and striking out one.  Senior Andrea Hoey pitched the final 2 innings facing 11 batters allowing 2 runs on four hits.

Seven Redhawks recorded hits in the contest, with senior centerfielder Tia Craig hitting the game winning shot up the middle to force the error on the OUAZ defense scoring the final Redhawk run. Craig also brought in the two runs in the 5^th to take the lead from OUAZ, 6-4, on a double to right field.

Amanda Clack went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI in the game. Ariana Knight also recorded an RBI and went 2-for-2 at the plate. McKenzie Hamilton went -for-4 and recorded 1 RBI and scored 2 runs against OUAZ.

GAME TWO (BEN 5, OUAZ 14):  Freshman Lauren Franco started on the mound for the Redhawks allowing 6 runs in her appearance. Freshman Maggie Tuffnell went in for relief and allowed 2 runs on four hits. Shauncey Masaweistewa entered the game and allowed 6 runs on 2 hits.

Junior left fielder Natasha Lawrence went 2-for-3 with one RBI and two runs scored. Amanda Clack went 2-for-2 with one RBI, one run, and one walk. Stephany Aguirre, Sabrina Ibsen, and Shauncey Masaweistewa each added a hit.