C1D2: Oran advances with 15-0 shutout of Delta

ADVANCE, Mo. — Oran's postseason journey got off to a blazing start with a 15-0 win over Delta in the quarterfinals of the MSHSAA Class 1, District 2 Tournament at Westfield Park on Friday, May 3.

The Lady Eagles (12-6) made quick work of the Ladycats (3-15), ending the game via mercy rule in just three innings with a potent offensive display.

“The team came out with a strong offensive focus,” said Oran coach Jim Eftink. “They had aggressive at-bats and attacked the basepaths, putting themselves in positions to score.”

Oran's Ava Forehand (9) hits a double during a 15-0 win over Delta in the MSHSAA Class 1, District Tournament at Westfield Park in Advance, Missouri on Friday, May 3, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Oran seized the early lead by capitalizing on Delta's errors in the bottom of the first inning.

Bralynn Morgan and Molly Spane scored on defensive errors, followed by Mari Fuemmeler's RBI single to drive in Caroline Brashear. Then Ava Forehand's productive groundout brought home Sophie Bryeans, giving the Lady Eagles a 4-0 advantage.

Oran extended its lead to 10-0 in the second inning with Forehand's double driving in Kendall Burger and Bralynn Morgan, while several more runs crossed the plate due to the Ladycats’ struggles on the mound.

Oran's Bralynn Morgan (7) scores during a 15-0 win over Delta in the MSHSAA Class 1, District Tournament at Westfield Park in Advance, Missouri on Friday, May 3, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“The girls did a good job of taking advantage of any little miscue,” Eftink said.

Spane, a two-time Semoball Awards finalist, kept the momentum rolling with a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning, making the score 11-0.

Fuemmeler followed with a two-RBI single, scoring Forehand and Brashear to push the lead to 13-0.

Oran sealed the victory with two more runs in the bottom of the third. Bella Sitz's single brought home Kolie Morgan and Fuemmeler, ending the game with a final score of 15-0.

“They laid off the high stuff and they pounded the ball whenever they got a chance,” Eftink said.

Spane's pitching performance was equally impressive. She earned the win with three dominant innings, striking out six of the nine batters faced while allowing no runs, hits, or walks.

“It all started with strong pitching,” Eftink said. “You can’t deny that [Spane] sent a message. She took care of business and went about her way. That’s the way I like to see her throw.”

Oran will face Oak Ridge (13-5) in a semifinal matchup on Monday, May 6 at 5:45 p.m.

__ORAN 15, DELTA 0, F/3__

Delta 000 xxx x — 0 0 1

Oran 465 xxx x — 15 8 0

W—Molly Spane. L—Jolie Scherer. 2B—Oran: Ava Forehand, Bralynn Morgan.