BUFORD, Ga. — Buford entered the 2026 softball season with a demanding August schedule and questions surrounding a roster blending experienced veterans with young players taking on larger roles.

By the end of the month, the Wolves had provided plenty of answers.

Buford closed August with an 8-0 overall record and a 3-0 mark in Region 8-7A, outscoring its opponents 97-26 during an unbeaten opening stretch. The Wolves combined a balanced offense with contributions from several pitchers while continuing the momentum from their state and national championship season.

The Wolves scored 60 runs through their first five games, a product of an offense that produced throughout the lineup rather than relying on one or two hitters.

“It helps if you can swing it one through nine,” coach Trent Adams said. “I feel like we have a very good lineup with some pop here and there. I feel like we have some good speed, which always helps on the bases. I feel like we do a good job of working the count, and we work really hard on hitting the ball to all parts of the field.”

The month began Aug. 13 with a 16-1 victory at Walnut Grove. Buford scored seven runs in both the first and fifth innings, collecting 13 hits in the five-inning win.

Janie Goldin went 3-for-3 with a double, triple and two RBIs, while Emma Asmer and Taylor Sawyer each drove in three runs. Taylor Jackson worked three scoreless innings in the circle to earn the victory.

Two days later, Buford swept a pair of games at the GADC Leadoff Classic in Woodstock. The Wolves defeated East Paulding 10-3 before holding off Kell 3-2.

Lydia Hamrick went 3-for-3 with three runs against East Paulding, while Brooklyn Atha added three hits. Against Kell, Atha’s solo home run in the third inning provided what proved to be the deciding run. Freshman Carsyn Hunter earned her first varsity victory, and Jackson recorded the save.

Buford’s offense showed its power when Region 8-7A competition began.

The Wolves hit five home runs in a 14-2, four-inning victory over Mill Creek on Aug. 18. LG Goldin homered in the second inning before Atha, Emma Pierce Hensley and Sawyer each went deep during a seven-run third. Asmer added a solo home run in the fourth.

Two days later, Buford produced 18 hits and stole 10 bases in a 17-4 road victory over Seckinger.

Atha, LG Goldin and Janie Goldin combined for 12 hits. Atha went 4-for-6 with three doubles, three RBIs and four runs scored, while Hunter earned her second victory and Jackson worked 4 1/3 scoreless innings in relief for the save. The win moved Buford to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in region play.

While the offense found its rhythm early, Adams said the pitching staff also continues to develop.

“The pitchers are working hard on spin and getting ahead in the count,” Adams said. “We have to cut down on the walks and do a better job of first-pitch strikes. They work hard on their skill set as a group.”

The Wolves returned from a week between games with another region victory Aug. 27, defeating Dacula 14-6 in six innings at the Buford Softball Complex.

Atha and Sawyer each hit two-run home runs, while Hamrick went 3-for-3 with a double, three RBIs, two runs scored and two stolen bases. Ansley Kehren added three hits, including two doubles and a triple. Hunter earned the victory with three innings of relief. Buford finished with 14 hits, eight stolen bases and no errors.

One of the Wolves’ biggest tests of August came two days later against North Forsyth.

Buford fell behind by five runs before rallying for a 10-7 victory. Atha delivered a bases-clearing triple with two outs in the second inning to pull the Wolves within a run.

With the game tied 6-6 in the fifth, Hamrick’s bunt single put Buford ahead for good. Kami Vendola followed with a sacrifice fly. Atha finished with four RBIs, and Kennedy Townsend allowed two runs over five innings of relief to earn her first victory of the season.

Adams said matchups against Dacula and North Forsyth provided the type of competition his team will benefit from later in the season.

“Dacula and North Forsyth are two great programs and will be great matchups,” Adams said. “They’ll help us down the road by seeing good competition.”

Buford finished the month Aug. 31 with one of its most dominant innings of the season.

The Wolves scored nine runs in the first inning of a 13-1, four-inning victory over Jackson County. Atha hit a two-run home run, Pierce Hensley followed with a three-run shot and Sawyer added a solo homer as Buford quickly took control.

Jackson pitched all four innings, allowing one run on four hits with four strikeouts to improve to 4-0. Pierce Hensley drove in three runs, while Atha and Kehren each added two RBIs.

The 8-0 start was built on more than power.

Buford showed an ability to manufacture runs through bunts and stolen bases, produce big innings when opportunities arose and respond when opponents applied pressure. The Wolves also received victories from Jackson, Hunter, Townsend and Norah Cook during the opening portion of the schedule, giving Buford multiple options in the circle.

Atha emerged as one of the constants in the middle of the lineup throughout August, contributing extra-base hits and run production in nearly every major win. Goldin, Hamrick, Kehren, Sawyer, Pierce Hensley and others provided production throughout a lineup that consistently created scoring opportunities from top to bottom.

The Wolves will carry their unbeaten record into September with Region 8-7A play becoming an increasing part of the schedule. Buford opens the month at home against Collins Hill after finishing August 8-0 overall and 3-0 in region competition.