High expectations again for Oran softball

The Oran softball team has its sights set on a third straight district championship.

The Lady Eagles return seven starters including junior Moly Spane, Lily Knotts and Bralynn Morgan.

“Our strategy from day one--as in the past--is to develop strong pitching, top-notch defense and timely hitting,” said Oran coach Jim Eftink. “We hope to be competitive this spring. We have a lot of bigger schools on our schedule and hope to hang in there with Kennett, Ste. Genevieve, Scott City and Malden. We've also added Neelyville to our schedule and they were one of the dominant area teams in the fall.”

Bralynn Morgan sprints to greet her teammates after making a catch in centerfield for the final out of Oran's 7-4 win over Risco/Gideon in the MSHSAA Class 1 District 2 Championship at Oran High School on Wednesday, May 11. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

All three juniors earned all-conference, all-district and all-region honors last season.

Spane was also an all-stater, the team's top pitcher and made a definite impact at the plate. She had an 11-3 overall record while pitching 89 total innings with a 2.674 ERA and 130 strikeouts. Spane also batted .542 with 32 hits including six doubles, three home runs, 21 RBIs and 23 runs scored.

“Spane and Knotts are both polished on the mound with an assortment of pitches,” Eftink said. “Both also hit 3-4 in our line-up as they provide power and drive in runs.

Taylor Hobbs sprints for home plate during Oran's 8-2 win over Delta in the MSHSAA Class 1 District 2 Semifinals at Oran High School on Tuesday, May 10. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“Morgan is a catalyst,” he continued. “She makes things happen with her speed and defense. She has excellent base running skills and bats lead-off. Her job is to get on base, but she can rip one over the fence as well.”

Sophomore infielder Kendal Burger has shown a lot of leadership in the first couple of weeks of practice.

“She was a very solid player for us last year and I can already see she's sharpened her skills through summer ball,” Eftink said.

Caroline Brashear races for home plate during Oran's 7-4 win over Risco/Gideon in the MSHSAA Class 1 District 2 Championship at Oran High School on Wednesday, May 11. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Seniors Dalanie Bryant and Taylor Hobbs are a couple of other players to watch out for as both have the potential to prove the team with some key hits and solid defense.

Eftink said he also expects to get contributions from junior Sophie Bryeans and sophomore Caroline Brashear.

“We have four freshmen on the team this year and all four have the potential to be starters during their high school careers,” Eftink said. “The four are Allison Burke, Mari Fuemmeler, Ava Forehand and Ava Knotts. Fuemmeler has some pop in her bat and can play just about any position on the infield. Forehand brings lots of speed to the lineup. Knotts has played lots of summer ball and has some good ball instincts. Burke has a strong arm and pretty quick bat.”

Oran will host Scott City in its season opener on Monday, March 20.

“The team is eager for the season to start,’ Eftink concluded. “Practices have been smooth with everyone working hard.”