OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City advanced in the winner's bracket of the NAIA Softball Opening Round at Ann Lacy Field on Monday, defeating Morningside 5-0.
 
Emersen Heron tossed a three-hit shutout to move the Stars into Tuesday's 4 p.m. contest against Missouri Baptist. That 4 p.m. winner will be in the finals on Wednesday.
 
Heron (21-4) struck out four and walked one to pick up her sixth shutout of the season, changing speeds and locations on a dime.
 
"Emersen is always really crafty and if you haven't seen her before, she can really mess with you a little bit," said OCU Associated Head Coach Bobbi Bridges. "She's very composed and can throw that off-speed on any count so she frustrates a lot of people."
 
OCU took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Heron walked and scored ahead of an RBI double to left by Kindalyn Miller.
 
Morningside put together its best threat in the bottom of the fifth with runners and first and third with one out. The Mustangs attempted a squeeze bunt by OCU first baseman Grace Pollon charged hard, gloved and flipped the ball home in time for Tiffany Paul to square and make the tag at the plate.
 
"Grace made a great play and it was one of the best plays she's made all year," Bridges said.
 
It also seemed to spark the offense. OCU scored two runs in the top of the sixth on a two-run single by Heron and added two more in the top of the seventh on a two-run home run by Paul.
 
The Stars ended up with six hits, led by Paul with two.