The Buford Invitational softball tournament started on Wednesday and the host Lady Wolves got off to a fast start, defeating Jefferson 5-1 and Providence Christian Academy 7-1 at Buford City Park.

Against Jefferson, Melissa Dickie threw a complete game with nine strikeouts to earn her third win of the season for Buford (5-1). Kallie Case led the Lady Wolves at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a triple, two runs scored and an RBI. Buford’s Codi Ricketson hit a solo home run and Karly Fullem went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Lexi Overstreet chipped in two RBIs as well.

Against Providence Christian, Fullem earned her third win on the year with a complete game and five strikeouts for Buford. She also helped her own cause, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.

On offense, Overstreet led the Lady Wolves, going 2-for-2 with a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning and finishing the day with four RBIs. Case went 2-for-3 with a triple, three runs scored and an RBI, and Chelsie Thomas went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored for Buford.

Senior pitcher Kylie Kleinschmidt of Providence recorded her 1,000th career strikeout in the loss.

The Lady Wolves will return to action at 4:30 p.m. Friday when the play host to Union County on the third day of pool play in the Buford Invitational.

FLOWERY BRANCH 5, SALEM 4 (TUESDAY): Freshman Jessica Thomas drove in the go-ahead run in the top of the seventh inning for the Lady Falcons in Conyers.

Cally Orr struck out three over seven innings for Flowery Branch (4-3, 1-1 Region 8A-AAAA).

Tonya Evans went 1-for-2 with an RBI, a stolen base and one run scored, while Caitlyn Fowler and Kendall Fowler each went 1-for-3 with an RBI. Caitlyn Fowler added a run scored for the Lady Falcons.

Flowery Branch plays host to St. Pius X at 5 p.m. today in the Buford Invitational.

CHESTATEE 11, GAINESVILLE 2 (TUESDAY): Nicole Long threw all six innings, giving up four hits and two runs, as the Lady War Eagles won in Gainesville.

Ashley Payne led the team from the plate, going 3-for-4 with three doubles.

Samantha Brown, Danielle Stephens, Long, Maegan Kenimer and Jenny Arthur all had two hits for Chestatee (2-3).

Gainesville will play West Hall at 5:55 p.m. today at Lanier Point.