COLUMBUS — Buford and East Jackson both came away with state titles Saturday at the softball championships at the Olympic Softball Complex.
Buford won its 10th consecutive title in thrilling fashion getting a game and state title-winning RBI single from Katie Perkins in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat Walnut Grove 2-1 for the Class AAAAA title. It was a rematch of last year's Class AAAA title game.
East Jackson earned its first-ever state title taking down three-time defending state champion Calhoun 4-2 to capture the Class AAA title.
For Buford, Arielle Oda broke a scoreless tie in the fifth driving in Maddie Marchiando, who singled and stole second with two outs. Walnut Grove tied the game in the sixth on a Kaedy Borst home run.
In the seventh, Gabby Benson led off for the Wolves with a grounder back to the pitcher, but a bad throw to first allowed Benson to reach. Shea Bayreuther bunted her to second and Perkins sealed the title with her single.
"It was just amazing," Perkins said. "I can't believe it really happened."
Senior Samantha Thomas, who paced the Lady Wolves' offense all season, said it was a great way to cap a stellar high school career.
"It's truly amazing," she said. "I was blessed to be on this team."
Junior Logan Caymol got the win for Buford allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out eight in a complete-game effort.
Buford coach Tony Wolfe said it never gets old because of the players.
"The 10 years is great but it's really just about this year and this year's kids," he said. "For some of them it's the first one so it's fun to see them have that chance."
Wolfe also said he wasn't surprised it went down to the last pitch.
"Well, when you get two (Southeastern Conference) commit pitchers, you're gonna have a low scoring game," he said.
Both Buford and East Jackson moved into the championship round with big wins in the semifinals.
The Lady Wolves beat Harris County 5-0 to advance. The Lady Eagles beat Pike County 6-3 in the Class AAA semifinals.
