COLUMBUS — Buford advanced to the Class 6A state championship game after a 10-0, five-inning win over East Coweta on Friday at the Elite Eight state tournament.
The Wolves’ offense came out strong, hitting three home runs and producing several key two-out hits. Senior Addie Rackley set the tone early, launching a two-run homer on the first pitch she saw in the opening inning. Sophomore Lydia Hamrick added a two-out RBI double in the second, and senior Summer Castorri extended the lead to 4-0 with a solo home run to left field in the third.
Buford broke the game open in the fourth inning, highlighted by a two-RBI double from junior Brooklyn Atha. In the fifth, freshman LG Goldin sealed the win with a two-run home run as part of a three-run frame.
Senior Caroline Stanton (13-0) earned the win, throwing a complete-game, two-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts. Stanton worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning by striking out the next three batters.
Offensive standouts for Buford
- LG Goldin: 3-for-3, 2-run home run, 2 RBIs, 3 runs, stolen base
- Summer Castorri: 2-for-2, solo home run, RBI, 3 runs, stolen base
- Addie Rackley: 1-for-3, 2-run home run (17th of the season), 2 RBIs, run
- Brooklyn Atha: 1-for-3, double, 2 RBIs
Buford improved to 35-0 and will play for the Class 6A state title Saturday at 1:15 p.m. at South Commons Softball Complex. The “if necessary” game will follow immediately after Game 1.
