The Lanier varsity softball team hosted fellow Region 8-AAAAAA opponent Buford on Thursday evening in Sugar Hill. Buford had multiple home runs to clinch the region win over Lanier with a final score of 10-2. The game was called after the sixth inning due to the run rule.

On the mound for Buford was senior Olivia Haag (2-0) who pitched for three innings, gave up four hits and two earned runs, struck out four and walked three. Junior Olivia Duncan was called in to relieve Haag in the fourth inning where she only gave up one hit, no runs and struck out four batters.

Sophomore Mackenzie Pickens led Buford’s offense going 4-for-4 with two solo home runs, a double, a triple, two RBIs and scored four runs. Haag also hit a home run, her second in as many games, that drove in three runs for the Lady Wolves. Haag gained three RBIs and one run scored off of that home run.

Other offensive standouts for Buford were Duncan who was 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and one run scored and sophomore Madison Pickens who went 1-for-3 with one RBI, one run scored and stole one base.

Lanier’s two runs were scored in the bottom of the third inning off of a two-run home run by sophomore Samantha Fadley which drove in herself and freshman Ansley Idland.

Buford’s overall season record improves to 10-1-1 and 4-1 in Region 8-AAAAAA. Lanier falls to 2-7 overall and 1-4 in Region 8-AAAAAA.

Up next for the Lady Wolves is participation in the Brookwood Invitational tournament at Archer High School on Saturday, Sept. 11. Buford will play Archer at 9 a.m. and Hillgrove at 11 a.m.

Lanier will travel to Lilburn to take on Providence Christian Academy on Monday, Sept. 13 at 5 p.m.