BUFORD — The Buford softball team scored at-will in a two-game sweep against Riverwood in the first round of the Class 5A state softball tournament Tuesday at the Buford Softball Complex.
The Wolves (20-9, Region 8-5A No. 1 seed) hammered out 23 runs in the best-of-three series, beating Riverwood 17-0 and 16-1, to advance to the second round of the Class 5A tournament. Buford will play the winner of the Ola / Ware County series on Tuesday at the Buford Softball Complex. Game time and opponent TBD.
GAME 1 SUMMARY -- Buford 17, Riverwood 0
The Wolves scored often and early against Riverwood in a 3-inning game called due to the run-rule. With a 14-run lead going into the bottom of the 3rd inning, freshman catcher Emma Castorri ended the game with a three-run home run to left field. Riverwood managed only 1 hit against Buford pitching, a pop flair over 3rd base in the 3rd inning off Buford reliever Kaitlyn Pickens.
WINNING PITCHER -- Senior Ansleigh Hollifield (10-2) picked up with the win in the circle, allowing no hits, no runs, two strikeouts and a walk in an inning of work. Senior Amelia Veal also pitched an inning, allowing no runs and hits and one strikeout and a walk, and senior Katilyn Pickens picked an inning, giving up one hit, no runs, one strikeout and one walk.
OFFENSIVE STANDOUTS
Freshman Emma Castorri was 1-for-1, including a game-ending three-run homer, three RBIs and scored a run. Senior Anabel Adams was 2-for-2, with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored. Junio Ema Hall also was 2-for-2 with a double, two RBIs and scored two runs; and junior Abbi Perkins finished the day 2-for-2 with two doubles, one RBI and scored three runs.
GAME 2 SUMMARY -- Buford 16, Riverwood 1
Seniors Riley Reese and Kennedi Bauman combined to toss a no-hitter in a 16-1 Game 2 run-rule win and complete the sweep of Riverwood. Reese went three innings three scoreless and hitless innings while striking out four Riverwood batters and earn the win. Junior Abbi Perkins led the Wolves at the plate with three hits and five RBIs. Senior Anabel Adams' three-run home run forced the run-rule in the fourth inning.
WINNING PITCHER -- Reese went three innings, allowing no hits and runs with four strikeouts. In relief, Bauman pitched one inning and striking out one.
OFFENSIVE STANDOUTS
Perkins was 3-for-4 with five RBIs and scored two runs. 2 runs. Senior Anabel Adams went 2-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs, and sophomore Shamya Young was 2-for-2 with a double, four RBIs and scored two runs
UP NEXT
Buford will host the winner of the Ola/Ware County series on Tuesday, October 15th in the second round of the Class 5A state tournament.
AREA STATE TOURNAMENT SCORES FOR OCT. 8
Union County 17, 22, Therrell 0, 0 -- Union advances to second round of Class 2A tournament
Creekview 4, 9, Habersham 1, 4 -- Creekview advances to second round of Class 6A tournament
Flowery Branch 3, 4, Cedartown 1, 14 -- Branch and Cedartown will play Game 3.
