The two-time defending Class AA state champion Buford High softball team defeated Walnut Grove 9-1, 9-0 in the second round of the Class AA playoffs Friday in Buford advancing to the quarterfinals.

The Wolves will play the winner of the Rockmart/Banks County series at noon on Thursday at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus.

“We’re excited,” Lady Wolves coach Tony Wolfe said. “A chance to go back to Columbus is a special thing that you don’t take for granted.”

Melissa Dickie (8-1) led the Lady Wolves (21-4) in Game 2, pitching a shutout with seven strikeouts and two hits allowed.

Buford senior Alysha Rudnik led at the plate going 2-for-2 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

Chelsie Thomas went 2-for-3 with two runs scored for the Wolves, and fellow junior Whitney Wolfe went 3-for-3 with a pair of RBIs.
Karly Fullem (10-2) got the win in the circle in Game 1, striking out 11 and allowing two hits and one run.

“We played great defense,” Wolfe said. “The weather hasn’t allowed any practice time the last few weeks, but we played really well despite the weather.”

Lexi Overstreet led at the plate going 3-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored for Buford, fellow sophomore Kallie Case had an RBI and Samantha Ramey went 1-for-3 with a pair of RBIs on a double.

“We swung the bat really well at times,” said Wolfe. “We’re excited and proud of our kids and the way they played.”