Sophomore Brooklyn Atha hit her first-ever varsity career home run in game two of three against Apalachee during the Titan/Warrior Classic at Oconee Veterans Park on Saturday, August 24.
During the two-day tournament, co-hosted by North Oconee and Oconee County Schools, Buford played against Morgan County, Apalachee and North Hall. The Lady Wolves allowed only one run during the three games while they scored 23 runs.
The Lady Wolves kicked off the tournament in the manner they would carry throughout the duration of it, score early and often. Buford wasted no time on Friday and added two runs in the first inning. The Lady Wolves added two runs in the fourth inning as well as the fifth inning giving Buford a 6-0 victory. The highlight of the Buford offensive was a solo home run by Castorri.
Buford offensive standouts against Morgan County were Castorri (3-for-4, solo home run, a double, one RBI, two runs scored), Addie Rackley (2-for-3, a double, a triple, three RBIs), Caroline Stanton (1-for-3, double, one run scored) and Carolyn Cagle (1-for-2, one RBI).
Rackley (3-0) was the winning pitcher for Buford in game one. She pitched her third complete game this season allowing only one hit, no runs and one walk while striking out five.
Atha’s first-ever varsity career home run was a two-run home run hit in the fourth inning during Buford’s 9-1 victory over Apalachee. In addition to Atha hitting a home run, Rackley also hit a home run, a solo shot in the third inning.
The offensive standouts in game two were Atha (3-for-3, two-run home run, two RBIs, three runs scored, one stolen base), Stanton (2-for-3, double, two RBIs, one run scored), Rackley (1-for-3, solo home run, two RBIs, one run scored) and Castorri (1-for-1, triple, one RBI, one run scored).
Sophomore Olivia Nagel (1-1) got her first varsity start as a pitcher. She pitched five innings where she gave up two hits, no runs and no walks while striking out one.
In game three, the Lady Wolves faced North Hall and had the run rule called in the fifth inning after Buford was up 8-0. Buford had four home runs hit during the game. Three were back-to-back-to-back shots from Castorri, Stanton and Ella Pierce Hensley. Stanton hit her second homer during the fifth inning.
In the victory over North Hall, Buford’s offensive standouts were Stanton (2-for-3, two home runs, three RBIs, two runs scored), Castorri (2-for-3, two-run home run, double, two RBIs, two runs scored, one stolen base), Hensley (3-for-3, solo home run, one RBI, two runs scored) and Taylor Sawyer (game-ending double, one RBI).
Stanton (4-0) got her fourth win this season on the mound against North Hall. She pitched five innings where she didn’t give up any hits or runs. She had two walks while striking out 11 batters.
Buford’s overall season record improved to 8-0. The Lady Wolves resume Region 8-6A play on Wednesday, August 28, against Collins Hill at home. The game will start at 5:55 p.m.
