COLUMBUS, Ga. – Buford softball finished 3-1 at the Harris County Invitational, earning victories over Villa Rica, Houston County and Fayette County at the South Commons Softball Complex.

The Wolves outscored their four opponents 33-11 during the two-day event and concluded the weekend with a 15-1 overall record.

Friday: Buford 6, Villa Rica 0

Junior Norah Cook opened the tournament with a dominant performance in the circle, tossing a complete-game, two-hit shutout in Buford's 6-0 victory over Villa Rica. Cook improved to 2-0 after allowing just one walk and striking out three over six innings.

Sophomore LG Goldin went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, a run scored and a stolen base. Senior Ella Pierce Hensley launched her fourth home run of the season, a two-run shot that helped the Wolves extend their lead in the fifth inning.

Senior Brooklyn Atha added a solo home run, her eighth of the season, while senior Janie Goldin scored twice and stole two bases.

Friday: Buford 7, Houston County 3

Buford completed its Friday sweep with a 7-3 win over Houston County.

The Wolves scored three runs in the first inning and added three more in the second to build an early 6-0 advantage. Junior Ansley Kehren led the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 performance that included a double, an RBI and two runs scored.

Atha belted a two-run home run to center field for her ninth homer of the season. Hensley drove in two runs, while Janie Goldin finished 2-for-2 with an RBI, two runs scored and two stolen bases.

Senior Kennedy Townsend earned the victory in relief and improved to 5-0.

Saturday: Harris County 4, Buford 1

Buford suffered its first loss of the season Saturday morning, falling 4-1 to Harris County despite holding a 7-6 advantage in hits.

The Tigers scored twice in the second inning and twice in the third to take a 4-0 lead. Sophomore Mackenzie Fritsch put Buford on the board with a solo home run in the fifth, the first varsity homer of her career.

Janie Goldin went 2-for-3, and Hensley added a double. Townsend kept the Wolves within striking distance by holding Harris County scoreless after entering in relief.

Saturday: Buford 19, Fayette County 4

The Wolves responded emphatically in their tournament finale, scoring 19 runs in four innings to defeat Fayette County, 19-4.

After surrendering two runs in the top of the first, Buford answered with eight in the bottom half and never looked back. The Wolves added four runs in the second and seven in the third to secure the run-rule victory.

Junior Taylor Sawyer powered the offense, going 2-for-2 with a two-run home run, a double, four RBIs, three runs scored, a walk and a stolen base. Her home run was her fifth of the season.

Senior Olivia Nagel finished 3-for-3 with a double, two RBIs and three runs scored. Hensley went 2-for-2 with a double, two RBIs, three runs scored, a walk and a stolen base, while junior Lydia Hamrick added an RBI double and scored twice.

Freshman Carsyn Hunter earned the victory and improved to 4-0.

Up Next

Buford returns to Region 8-7A play Tuesday, Sept. 15, when the Wolves host Dacula at the Buford Softball Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.