Buford advances to the Sweet Sixteen of the GHSA Class 6A state playoffs after winning a double-header against Westlake on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Buford Softball Complex. The Wolves won games one 15-0 and two 19-0.
In the first game against the Westlake Lions, junior Kadyn Gabrels was Buford’s offensive leader after hitting two home runs, her sixth and seventh home runs of the season. Gabrels was 2-for-2, earning four RBIs, scoring three runs and stealing a base.
Other offensive standouts for Buford in game one were sophomore Brooklyn Atha (2-for-2, triple, three RBIs, one run scored), sophomore Ella Pierce Hensley (1-for-2, triple, sac fly, three RBIs, one stolen base) and sophomore Janie Goldin (1-for-2, one RBI, three runs scored).
Junior Caroline Stanton (11-1) threw her eighth career no-hitter and got her second perfect game in as many starts against the Lions. She pitched for three innings and made quick work of Westlake’s batting lineup as she struck out nine batters.
Buford ended game one with a 15-0 victory over Westlake.
In the second game of the day, Gabrels was once again Buford’s offensive leader after driving in four runs. She had a massive first-inning performance. She hit a three-run home run to center field and hit a single that scored a run. Gabrels ended the game going 2-for-2 with another four RBIs and two more runs scored. She ended the day 4-for-4 with three home runs, a single, eight RBIs, five runs scored and a stolen base.
Game two’s other offensive standouts for Buford were Goldin (2-for-2, two doubles, two RBIs, two runs scored), junior Addie Rackley (2-for-3, two doubles, two RBIs) and junior Carolina Heinritz (1-for-1, two RBIs, one run scored).
Rackley (9-0) picks up the win for the Wolves. She pitched for two innings where she gave up no hits or runs while striking out five and walking one. She was relieved by Kennedy Townsend who pitched for one inning. She gave up one hit and a walk while striking out one.
Game two ended with Buford getting a 19-0 win over the Lions.
Buford’s overall season record improved to 25-1. They will host Richmond Hill in the second round of the GHSA Class 6A state playoffs on Tuesday, Oct. 22 for a double-header.
