BUFORD, Ga. — Defending Class 7A state champion Buford opened its 2023 season with a dominating 14-0 win over South Forsyth on Thursday in the Rumble at the Ridge Tournament at the Buford Softball Complex.
It was an impressive opening win for Buford (1-0) over the Lady Eagles, who finished fourth in last year's Class 7A playoffs.
It also was a closer game than final score as the Lady Wolves led just 1-0 after the second and 4-0 after the third. But they added a run in the fourth and then exploded for nine runs in the fifth, highlighted by a Madison Pickens grand slam. Adriana Martinez, Kadyn Gabrels, Addison Rackley, Gracie Griffin, and Taryn Gibbs all knocked in runs as well in the decisive inning.
Caroline Stanton earned the win in the circle for Buford. The right-hander allowed no hits and fanned nine in four innings. Emma Grace Williams pitched the final inning allowing one hit, and striking out one.
The Lady Wolves will resume play in the Rumble At The Ridge tournament on Saturday. They will take on Cherokee Bluff at 9 a.m. and then Campbell at 1 p.m.
