WALNUT GROVE — Behind a dominant pitching performance from senior Caroline Stanton and an explosive late-game offense, Buford rolled to a 13-0 shutout over Walnut Grove in Wednesday’s season opener.

The Wolves struck early, plating three runs in the first inning, highlighted by a two-RBI single from freshman shortstop LG Goldin. Stanton was nearly untouchable in the circle, holding the Warriors hitless until the fourth inning. The lone baserunner that frame was thrown out at second attempting to stretch a single into a double.

Buford’s bats reignited in the sixth with batters adding four runs on a solo home run by junior Brooklyn Atha, a bases-loaded walk to Janie Goldin and a two-RBI single from senior Addie Rackley.

The Wolves sealed the win with a six-run seventh inning, powered by back-to-back three-run homers from senior Summer Castorri and sophomore Taylor Sawyer. The blast marked Sawyer’s second career pinch-hit home run, her first coming last season against Region 8-6A rival Mill Creek.

Winning pitcher for Buford

• Senior Caroline Stanton (1-0) — 7 innings, complete game, shutout, 2 hits, 16 strikeouts, 0 walks

Offensive standouts for Buford

• Senior Summer Castorri — 2-for-3, 3-run HR, double, 3 RBIs, 2 runs scored, 1 stolen base
• Freshman LG Goldin — 2-for-3, 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, 1 stolen base
• Senior Addie Rackley — 2-for-4, 2 RBIs, run scored
• Sophomore Taylor Sawyer — pinch-hit 3-run HR, 3 RBIs, run scored

Looking ahead

The team’s storied tradition enters a new chapter as Team 24 begins its quest for another championship season. Buford’s numbers over the past three seasons tell the story of a program at the pinnacle of Georgia high school softball. With a combined record of 96-4, the Wolves have captured two state championships, earned one state runner-up finish and claimed three straight Region 8-6A titles. Few programs in the state or the nation can match that level of consistency and dominance.

This season’s roster blends returning veterans with promising younger talent, but it’s the senior leadership that sets the tone. All four members of the 2025 senior class have already secured NCAA Division I scholarships, underscoring the caliber of talent the program produces year after year: Summer Castorri plans to attend Georgia Tech, Kadyn Gabrels will play for the University of South Carolina, Addie Rackley is headed to LSU and Caroline Stanton will attend the University of Florida

Expectations for this season remain high, as the Wolves seek not only to defend their region crown but also to add another state championship to the program’s decorated history. The opening game against Walnut Grove will provide the first test of how this year’s squad stacks up, both offensively and defensively, against a tough early-season opponent.

With Team 24 taking the field this week, that tradition is poised to continue.

FEATURED PHOTO: Taylor Sawyer swings at a pitch during Buford’s season opener against Walnut Grove on Aug. 13, 2025.