Orono controlled the ball for much of the early going Wednesday in its Class 1A quarterfinals matchup against Rochester Lourdes.

It was a play after a loose ball, however, that made the difference.

Orono’s Megan Marzolf scored the game-winning goal on a long shot after a scramble for the ball, as the Spartans defeated the Eagles 2-0 at Farmington High School.

Maddie Loder added a goal on a penalty kick. Goalkeeper Alexa Stoddard got the shutout for Orono (18-0-3), which staved off multiple scoring opportunities for Rochester Lourdes in the second half.

“We came out pretty strong, especially in those first 10 minutes,” Orono coach Erin Murray said. “We got, I feel like, a little bit frantic at times, but I think we still got the outcome we wanted.”

Orono generated scoring chances early, including a breakaway opportunity that resulted in a shot off the post. Marzolf’s goal came just over 17 minutes into the game, when she lobbed a shot from about 28 yards out over the head of Rochester Lourdes goalie Lauren Nickels.

“She’s kind of known for long balls,” said forward Anna Hughes, one of Orono’s three captains. “We kind of just say, ‘whenever you see the net, whenever it’s open, just take it.’”

Loder, a senior defender, scored less than two minutes later.

It was Orono’s sixth consecutive victory and 14th in its past 15 games. The Spartans have allowed just six goals this season in posting 15 shutouts.

“It’s not just our three or four defenders,” Murray said. “I think as a team we’re good about defending the ball.”

Stoddard filled in for starting goalie Clare Gagne, who was out because of a red card. Stoddard’s teammates voted her player of the game because of her strong play.

Orono is making its third state appearance in four years. The Spartans won the 2014 state title and finished second in 2015. 

Rochester Lourdes (17-3-1), with just three seniorss on its roster, made its eighth state-tournament appearance and first since 2011.

Defenders Megan Marzolf and Maddie Loder scored first-half goals for Orono as the top-seeded Spartans defeated Rochester Lourdes 2-0 in the Class 1A quarterfinals Wednesday at Farmington.

Defender Emma Kosek added an assist, and goalie Alexa Stoddard saved multiple shots for Orono (18-0-3), which is making its third state-tournament appearance in four years.

Marzolf scored the game’s first goal just over 17 minutes into the first half, lofting a ball over Rochester Lourdes goalie Lauren Nickels from about 28 yards out. Loder added the second goal on a penalty kick less than two minutes later.

Rochester Lourdes (17-3-1) was making its eighth state-tournament appearance and first since 2011. The Eagles have just three seniors on their roster.

Check back later for more on the game.