Greenbrier is benefiting from new playoff format

The Greenbrier softball equipment trailer is parked behind the visitor bleachers at the Wolfpack's home field, near the concession stand.

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If Greenbrier has to hitch up the trailer again, it will mean the Wolfpack have reached the Class AAAAA finals in Columbus, Ga.

The Georgia High School Association has introduced a new format for softball playoffs, a change that started with a proposal from Greenbrier coach Garrett Black.

Under the new system, the higher seed plays host to first and second round best-of-three series. In past years, state playoffs started with 16 teams traveling to a neutral site for sectionals.

Greenbrier, playing at home in the state playoffs for the first time, swept visiting Groves 12-0, 16-0 on Tuesday to earn the right to stay home another round, which was played Friday.

"Even if we had to travel to a hostile environment, that's part of the high school experience," Black said. "And I just felt like the kids were missing out on that with the sectionals. Plus, it gives our programs the chance to make some money. And you're playing for something in the regular season."

Black said he brought up the idea at a meeting in January, and that another region made the official proposal to the GHSA. The format, similar to baseball's, was implemented before the season.

Greenbrier, which won its 14th consecutive region title, had its home-field advantage.

"It's a great atmosphere for the girls," Black said. "It sure is nice staying at home, playing on your own field."

There were no complaints from Groves coach Kevin Brown, whose team traveled more than three hours to be outscored by nearly 30 runs.

"I like it, I really do," Brown said. "It limits the amount of travel -- all teams going to one spot. It puts a little teeth into the regular season, because if you're a 1 or 2 seed you get to host, which is vital."

Greenbrier enjoyed the advantage Tuesday, though it probably didn't need it.

Pitcher Katie Tracy retired all 12 batters she faced in mercy rule-shortened Game 1, with 10 strikeouts. After a scoreless first, Greenbrier scored eight runs in the second inning and five more in the fourth before the game was called.

In Game 2, Black started junior Savanah Coon, whose time in the circle had been limited recently after she shifted to third base early in the season. Starting third baseman Lauren Masters was lost for the season after suffering a shoulder injury in August. Black said the Wolfpack's defense has been set up best with Coon filling Masters' spot.

But he wanted to warm up his No. 2 pitcher Tuesday in case she was needed later in the playoffs.

"She needed some work," Black said. "We'd kind of gotten away from Savanah, lately."

Coon pitched all three innings of Game 2, striking out six and allowing just one hit. Greenbrier scored its 16th run with none out in the third. The final two outs came when Wolfpack runners intentionally left their base early to end the onslaught.

"The girls have done what we asked," Black said. "They set us up for Friday, and we got a chance to go back to Columbus."