BUFORD — The Buford softball team made short work of North Springs in the two teams' first round state playoff series on Thursday, sweeping the best-of-three series 2-0 without giving up a single run.
The Lady Wolves -- who are chasing their 10th straight state championship -- won Game 1, 12-0, and took Game 2, 17-0 -- both games shortened to 4 innings due to the mercy rule.
Logan Caymol (12-1) earned the win in Game 1, pitching all 4 innings, while allowing just 1 hit and striking out 6.
Katie Perkins led the offense, going 3-for-3 with a double, triple, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. Hannah Jo Hyatt also finished 2-for-3 with a triple and 3 RBI, while Maddie Marchiando was 2-for-2 with a 2 RBI and a stolen base. Shea Bayreuther also went 2-for-3 with a triple, RBI and 2 runs scored.
Ansley Byers (10-1) claimed the win in Game 2, pitching all 4 innings while yielding just 3 hits and striking out 3.
Samantha Thomas helped lead the offensive assault, going 2-for-2 with 2 RBI and a run scored, while Mariah Wicker provided a triple, sac fly, 2 RBI and a run scored. Janel Mathis also had a triple, 3 RBI and a run scored, and Zayta Kirchoff was 2 for 2 with an RBI and a run scored.
Buford moved on to the Class AAAAA second round, where it will take on South Effingham for the right to advance to the softball championship tournament in Columbus.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/10/457769/softball-buford-dominates-first-round-playoff-series