Georgia softball Super Regional recap

Buford survives first loss; Wesleyan, North Gwinnett, Parkview, South Forsyth and Pope also advance

The new Super Regional format for Georgia High School softball created lots of excitement this past weekend as teams battled for the right to advance to the Elite 8 of their respective classifications.

Here is a recap of some of the key action.

Buford overcomes first loss off season to advance

The Buford Wolves didn’t make things easy on themselves, but in the end, they are set to make their 18th straight trip to the Elite 8 in Columbus after winning their Super Regional.

Entering their Super Regional undefeated on the season, the Wolves suffered their first loss of the season, 1-0, at the hands of Lambert in Game 1. That meant the Wolves must win three straight in order to advance to Columbus.

The Wolves made quick work of Cherokee, defeating them 4-0 and then won back-to-back games against Lambert, 5-4, 4-3 to advance.

In the deciding 4-3 win against the Longhorns, it was Madison Pickens’ two-run homer in the third inning that was the difference. Emma Grace Williams made the start and allowed two runs (one earned) in 5-1/3 innings before freshman Caroline Stanton came in to get the final five outs.

Wesleyan rolls to Elite 8

After rolling through Region 7-AAA with a perfect 15-0 record including the region tournament, the Wesleyan Wolves were the host site for their Super Regional and did not disappoint.

The Wolves raced past Franklin County in Game 1 and then swept LaFayette 4-0, 7-0 to advance to the Elite 8 in Columbus this week. All-in-all, the Wolves out-scored Franklin and LaFayette 18-1 in the three games.

In their clinching victory against LaFayette, starting pitcher Macey Cintron earned the win in the circle after tossing a complete game shutout while striking out nine.

Freshman Shayla Bahr went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a homer, Avery Tucker went 2-for-4 with two RBIs while Cintron was on base four times with a single and three intentional walks.

After winning a state championship in Class A the past two seasons, the Wolves will look to make it three in a row, this time while playing in Class AAA.

North Gwinnett rumbles to Columbus

North Gwinnett softball’s quest at winning its second straight Class AAAAAAA state championship is still alive after dominating their Super Regional last week.

The Bulldogs swept North Cobb 4-2, 4-2 before shutting out Denmark 6-0 to clinch a spot in the Elite Eight starting this week in Columbus.

In their deciding win against Denmark, Amber Reed tossed all seven innings for the Bulldogs while striking out nine and allowing just two hits.

The game was put away in the first inning when Ella Janish launched a three-run homer. Mary Grace Nellis had two hits and two RBIs in the win and Avery Fielden chipped in with a pair of hits.

Red hot Parkview advances to Columbus

The Parkview softball team went a perfect 3-0 at their Super Regional last week to advance to the Elite 8 in Columbus. The Panthers defeated Carrollton, McEachern and Lowndes in that order to advance.

Parkview will enter the Elite 8 playing some of their best softball of the season. They are 13-1 in their past 14 games.

South Forsyth shines to advance to Elite 8

Playing as the host site in their Super Regional after dominating Region 6-AAAAAAA, the South Forsyth softball team dominated, defeating Walton, Peachtree Ridge and Dacula to advance to the Elite Eight in Columbus this week.

The War Eagles outscored their three opponents 19-6 including a 7-2 drubbing of Dacula in the deciding game.

Against Dacula, starting pitcher Josie Crossman earned the win, allowing just two runs in seven innings while striking out four. Meghan Lockhead went a perfect 3-for-3 in the game with a team-high 3 RBIs while Kennedy Ariail launched a homer in the victory.

Pope shines in Super Regional to advance to Columbus

For the 10th time in the past 11 years, the Pope softball team is headed to the Elite Eight in Columbus after going a perfect 3-0 in their Super Regional last week.

The Greyhounds won Game 1 against Allatoona 6-2 before beating Jackson County 3-1. They then defeated Allatoona 6-2 again to clinch their spot in Columbus.

In the deciding win against Allatoona, Kendall Frost tossed a complete game, allowing just three hits while striking out nine.

Jadyn Laneaux finished her day with two hits, including a homer and a triple to pair with four RBIs. Addy Garris went 3-for-3 at the plate with an RBI as well.