Buford goes for three consecutive in softball

By Michael Carvell

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Buford's softball team is chasing after its third Class AA championship in a row at the state tournament, which begins Thursday in Columbus. It will conclude Saturday with championship series in each of the state's five divisions.

Buford (21-4) returns eight of 10 starters from last year's title team, including senior catcher Alysha Rudnik (committed to Georgia Tech) and sophomore outfielder Lexi Overstreet (.388 batting average and 10 doubles).

In Class AAAA, Marist (26-3) is favored to win for the second year in a row behind the arm of Lori Spingola (22-1 with a 0.04 ERA), who is headed to North Carolina. The team's leading hitters are Cameron Taylor (.360) and Kelsey Chadwick (.333).

"If we continue with the way Lori has pitched it for four years, make routine plays, and come up with a clutch hit or two, then we have a chance," Marist coach Mike Trapani said.

In Class A, Eagle's Landing Christian is aiming for the history books, attempting to become the first fast-pitch program in tournament history to win four consecutive state championships.

Here are a quick look at some of the top metro Class AAAAA teams in the 40-team field:

Kell: The Longhorns are back for the first time since wrapping up back-to-back Class AAAAA championships in 2004.  "Our team has a chance to do well in Columbus because they have a lot of experience," Kell coach Kristy Simpson said. "We have had basically the same starting lineup for two years with only minor changes." Kell is led by catcher Kelsey Mericka (.602 and 9 HRs) and outfielder Whitney Okvist (.372).

Grayson: Senior Hayley Downs (Georgia Tech) and freshman Taylor Denton are both batting over .400 for the Rams (21-10), while pitcher Kanani Cabrales is 14-7 with a 0.70 ERA.

Kennesaw Mountain: Pitcher Jamie Thomas (19-6 with 1.05 ERA) has had four dominating outings in a row in the playoffs for the Mustangs (23-10), backed by top hitters Kaylee Williams (.384) and Amanda Hallman (.414). "This Kennesaw Mountain team peaked at the best time ... the end of the year going into postseason," coach Lisa Chapman said.

Collins Hill: The Eagles (28-3) are loaded with talent, including Sammy Lenahan (.361, Mississippi State) and Randi Rhea (.330, Mercer). There's depth at pitching with Kayla Floor (16-1, 0.06 ERA) and Kacey Hawkshead (13-2, 0.55 ERA).

Volleyball

*Pope is 48-2 and holds down PrepVolleyball.com's No. 22 ranking in the nation. Junior outside hitter Mary Hoey had 15 kills, seven digs, and four aces in a win over Marietta in the first round of the sectionals, while teammate Mary Hannah Arrington had 14 kills and seven digs. For the season, Hoey has 450 kills and 75 aces.

*Greater Atlanta Christian sophomore Ali Cox had a season-high 12 kills against in a playoff win over Prince Avenue, while teammate Catherine Chason finished with 26 assists and 10 digs.

*Marist is 28-8, with the sophomore duo Jenna Zivalich and Jennifer Carlson helping the War Eagles win in the first round of the playoffs against Richmond Academy.

*Emily Schultz of St. Pius was named Area 1-AAA player of the year. The Golden Lions won the area tournament for the second year in a row, defeating Cedar Grove in the playoff opener.