BUFORD - The Buford softball team is vying for its 11th straight state title, in order for that dream to become reality, the Lady Wolves will need senior ace Logan Caymol at her best.
Fortunately for the Tony-Wolfe led team, Caymol looks to be close, if not there, as evidenced by the senior standout pitching her first career no-hitter on the last day of the regular season, Sept. 25.
In the game, an 8-0 victory against Flowery Branch, Caymol also struck out 10 batters and walked just two as no Lady Falcons base runners advanced past first base in the contest.
For her efforts, Caymol is the AccessWDUN Athlete of the Week presented by Coca-Cola United.
"I always get in my head when I'm pitching a no-hitter," Caymol said. "I'll get to the late innings and start putting pressure on myself and give up a hit. I was excited I got to accomplish this before my high school career is over.
"Coach has told me to act like, think that, I've already given up a hit in the first inning to take the pressure off; I did that this time."
For all of Caymol's accolades, it's hard to believe that the regular-season finale was her first no-hitter. Over the last two seasons she's rolled up a 25-2 record with a 0.96 ERA and 222 strikeouts. Last year, she was named GADC and GACA Pitcher of the Year, and this year she's 8-2.
"This year I've been my best and most confident," said Caymol. "I'm more mentally tough than ever before and it allows me to play loose. It also helps to have great confidence in the girls playing behind me. They never let me down."
Caymol, along with her other nine seniors, entered this week's region tournament with a chance to become the third straight Buford class to win four region titles and four state titles. Buford is a program that prides itself on playing at the top of its game come tournament time, a feat only achieved when key pieces like Caymol are at doing that individually.
"When I came in as a freshman there was pressure," said Caymol. "But as I've continued playing for Buford, I feel more and more relaxed come tournament time. I know that if we play Buford softball, we'll be just fine."
