Despite a busy week for Buford’s varsity softball team, they handled business outscoring their opponents 31-3. Each of their three games this week was called early due to the run rule.
On Teacher’s Appreciate Night, Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Lady Wolves took just four innings to get a 12-0 win over Winder-Barrow at the Buford Softball Complex.
Offensive highlights of this game were home runs from senior Izzy Rettiger (her first home run this season), junior Summer Castorri (her eighth home run this season) and junior Caroline Stanton (her eighth home run this season).
Stanton (6-1) recorded the win in four innings of work on the mound for Buford. She gave up just one hit while striking out nine batters.
On Wednesday, Sept. 18, Buford hosted River Ridge in a non-region game. The Lady Wolves defeated the Lady Knights 8-0 in five innings.
Home runs were once again plentiful with Castorri hitting a two-run homer, junior Addie Rackley with a solo home run and a solo home run from Stanton.
Rackley (7-0) pitched her seventh complete game and third shutout of this season. She did so in five innings where she only gave up one hit, no runs and a walk while striking out eight.
On Thursday, Sept. 19, Buford resumed Region 8-6A play at home against Mountain View. After only five innings, the Lady Wolves would win the game 11-3 over the Lady Bears.
Offensive standouts for Buford against Mountain View were Castorri (1-for-2, sac fly, two RBIs, one run scored), sophomore Ella Pierce Hensley (1-for-2, a double, two RBIs, one run scored), Stanton (1-for-3, solo home run, two RBIs, two runs scored) and junior Kadyn Gabrels (game-winning hit, one RBI, one run scored).
Sophomore Olivia Nagel (4-0) recorded the win by pitching four innings before being relieved by Stanton. Nagel gave up five hits and three earned runs while striking out three.
Buford’s overall season record improved to 17-1 and 8-0 in Region 8-6A. They will host Dacula for a Region game on Tuesday, Sept. 24. The game begins at 5:55 p.m. The team’s seniors will be recognized before the start of the game.
In other Buford softball news: Sophomore Brooklyn Atha was announced as Extra Inning Softball’s Best Action Shot Contest winner on Thursday. See her winning photo here.
