LOGANVILLE, Ga. — Buford softball opened its 2026 campaign with an emphatic statement Thursday, defeating Walnut Grove 16–1 at 4863 Guthrie Cemetery Road.
The Wolves wasted no time taking control, sending seven runs across the plate in the top of the first inning.
LG Goldin and Ella Pierce Hensley each brought home a run on a groundout before Taylor Sawyer delivered a two-run double. Olivia Nagel followed with an RBI single, and Janie Goldin capped the explosive inning with a two-run triple.
Hensley added to Buford's advantage in the second inning, launching a solo home run to center field to make it 8–0.
Ansley Kehren joined the home run parade in the fourth, driving a solo shot over the right-field fence. Kehren finished 2-for-2 with three runs scored, two walks and two stolen bases.
Already holding a commanding lead, the Wolves put the game away with another seven-run inning in the fifth. Emma Asmer provided the biggest swing of the frame, clearing the bases with a three-run triple. Grayson Payne and Reese Oskarson each contributed an RBI single, while Sawyer drove in another run on a fielder's choice. Norah Cook was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring home Buford's final run.
Janie Goldin led Buford's 13-hit attack with a perfect 3-for-3 performance. She recorded a double, a triple and two RBIs while finishing with six total bases.
Asmer and Sawyer drove in three runs apiece. Hensley finished with a home run and two RBIs, while Kehren collected two hits and homered. Brooklyn Atha, Kinsley Crawford, Nagel, Payne and Oskarson also recorded hits for the Wolves.
Buford displayed patience in addition to its power, drawing eight walks. The Wolves finished with five extra-base hits, including two doubles, two triples and two home runs.
Taylor Jackson earned the victory in the circle after delivering three scoreless innings. Jackson allowed only two hits while recording four strikeouts and two walks.
Kennedy Townsend added a scoreless inning in relief, surrendering one hit and striking out one without issuing a walk. Buford's defense also turned a double play.
Walnut Grove scored its lone run in the bottom of the fifth. Ellie Clower led the Warriors with three hits.
By the Numbers
Up Next
Buford returns to action Friday, Aug. 14, against East Paulding in the GADC Leadoff Classic. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Twin Creeks in Woodstock.
The Wolves enter the matchup with a 1–0 record following Thursday's season-opening victory.
