COLUMBUS — The Buford Wolves shut out Brookwood in their second game of the day at the Elite Eight state tournament, advancing to the Final Four behind a dominant performance from senior pitcher Caroline Stanton.
The Florida Gator commit was untouchable in the circle, throwing her fifth career perfect game and striking out 20 of the 21 batters she faced — a new career high.
At the plate, senior Kadyn Gabrels powered the Wolves’ offense with two home runs and three RBIs. Gabrels opened the scoring in the second inning with a two-run shot to center field. Sophomore Lydia Hamrick made it 3-0 later in the inning after walking, stealing second and scoring on a wild pitch.
Junior Ella Pierce Hensley extended the lead in the third inning with her seventh home run of the season, a solo shot to left field. In the fourth, senior Summer Castorri drew a walk and later scored on an errant throw to first that sailed into the outfield.
Gabrels added her second home run of the game — and 11th of the season — in the fifth inning with a solo blast that stayed just inside the left-field foul pole. Senior Addie Rackley capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly to center field in the sixth.
Winning pitcher — Buford
Senior Caroline Stanton (12-0): 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 20 K
Offensive standouts — Buford
- Senior Kadyn Gabrels: 2-for-3, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
- Junior Ella Pierce Hensley: 2-for-3, HR, RBI, 2 R
- Freshman LG Goldin: 1-for-3, double
- Senior Addie Rackley: 2 BB, sac fly, RBI
With the win, Buford improves to 34-0 on the season and advances to the Final Four of the GHSA Class 7A state tournament. The Wolves will face East Coweta on Friday, Oct. 31, at 5 p.m. in the stadium at South Commons.
