'They're fighters': Monache edges Mission Oak to advance to section softball final

TULARE - "Fighters."

That's the word Monache High School softball head coach Briana Bamber used to describe her team after the 10th-seeded Marauders defeated No. 6 Mission Oak 5-4 on May 22 in the 2024 Central Section Division II playoff semifinals.

Monache (18-13) overcame an early 3-0 deficit in the fourth inning when freshman Shy-Lee Teran unleashed a three-run bomb to tie the game.

Then in the seventh frame, Devynn Emerson connected on a two-run single and the Marauders grabbed a 5-3 lead.

Monache will now play top-ranked St. Joseph (24-3-1) on May 24 for the section plaque at Fresno State's Margie Wright Diamond. First pitch is at 7 p.m.

"These girls, they have been fighters all year," Bamber said. "We've taken our licks at the beginning of the year but they have learned how to fight. They're fighters. They're competitors at heart. They're never down for long."

More: 2024 CIF Central Section softball playoff scoreboard

Mission Oak (22-7) grabbed a 3-0 lead in the third inning when starting pitcher Maleena Martin smacked a two-run double and later rounded home on Mya Ortega's RBI double.

But Monache answered in the very next inning.

Senior second baseman Ahtziri Barrios led off the top of the fourth frame with a single but was outed at second on Jaydin Sabol's fielder's choice. Kaylynn Brassfield then singled to advance Sabol to second and set the stage for Teran, who launched her homer over the centerfield wall.

Teran, who entered the game at pitcher after Monache surrendered three runs in the third, also earned the win in the circle, hurling five strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings.

"That was huge, huge," Bamber said. "Not only did she hit that game-changing home run, she came in and pitched a dime for us. I, mean, it was solid work from Shy-Lee. I commend her because she's a freshman and she put up a show. I'm very proud of her."

Mission Oak didn't go away easily.

Down 5-3 in the bottom half of the seventh, Martin rocketed a one-out solo home run to cut the Monache lead to one.

But Teran sealed the win, inducing a groundout on the very next-at bat, and two batters later, delivered a strikeout to end the game.

"It's a roller coaster of emotions with these girls," Bamber said. "They definitely know how to get the heart racing. They fight, though, they fight. They don't quit and I believe in every single one of them to get the job done."

Mission Oak put together another banner year.

The Hawks won their first West Yosemite League softball championship in school history this season, going 9-1, and captured a pair of postseason victories before falling to Monache in the semis.

Head coach Ilissa Fachinni's squad also posted its first 20-plus win season in eight years.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Monache edges Mission Oak to advance to section softball final