SURPRISE, Ariz. – Northwest dropped a pair of games to start the OUAZ Classic Friday, losing 1-0 to Mount Mercy and 19-1 to No. 25 Marymount.
 
"Apart from a very strong performance by Rachel Hawley in the circle in the first game, we struggled mightily today," said NU Head Coach Pam Fink. "We had just a few bright moments offensively, and we have to become more consistent and learn from our experiences."
 
The Eagles play Ottawa at 11:30 a.m. and Arizona Christian at 4:30 p.m. (Pacific time) Saturday.
 
Mount Mercy 1, Northwest 0
 
Mount Mercy scored with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to spoil a strong pitching effort by Rachel Hawley, who struck out three and allowed six hits in the complete game.
 
Northwest had three hits, including two by Jordan Dippel. Nicola Fish also singled.
 
Jayna Witzany struck out 14 to pick up the win.
 
Marymount 19, Northwest 1
 
Marymount scored six runs in the first inning and rapped out 18 hits for the game while the Eagles committed six errors.
 
Northwest scored its lone run in the third when Palena Gomes singled and scored on an RBI double by Dippel. Those were the lone hits for the Eagles.