Lady Wolfpack advances in softball ranks

Another season of softball is under way throughout the state. Once again, Greenbrier is near the top of the pecking order.

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The Lady Wolfpack re-ceived a No. 2 ranking in last week's Class AAAA GaSports.com poll. That's one spot up from its No. 3 preseason ranking behind then-second-ranked Sequoyah.

Greenbrier holds a 6-0 record after an undefeated weekend at the Madison County Sports Leadoff Classic.

"I was real pleased with our defense and our pitching," coach Garrett Black said. "We got to throw three girls down there, and the other thing is we got to play a lot of kids."

Greenbrier's pitchers gave up only four runs in six wins at the tournament. That included a 3-0 win over Class AA No. 3 Morgan County and a 5-2 victory over Class AA No. 4 North Oconee.

Sophomore middle infielders Kaila Hunt and Ashlyn Masters led a Lady Wolfpack defense that put on a show at the tournament.

"The biggest thing with them is we have a luxury where in years past we may have to pull our infield in at certain situations, but with both of them in the middle they know each other so well," Black said. "We turned five double plays this weekend. You just don't see that a lot in fast-pitch softball."

The Lady Wolfpack also knocked off Harlem, 3-1.

"I was really impressed with the way Harlem played," Black said. "They played a good ball game, and they had a chance to beat us. I think they're going to sneak up on some people this year."

With 11-straight region championships and a state title in the books, Greenbrier won't sneak up on. In fact, this season's squad is quickly making a name for itself and could further that cause Monday when the Lady Wolf-pack plays Class AAAAA Parkview at the University of Georgia.

"It's a good measuring stick for us early in the year," Black said. "Plus,the kids get an opportunity to play at Georgia. That's going to be pretty fun for them."

The Lady Wolfpack will also play at Georgia Tech this season when they face South Effingham on Sept. 28.

Greenbrier's home opener is scheduled for Wednesday when Elbert County comes to town for a 6 p.m. game.