Wolfpack open in style

Greenbrier softball coach Garrett Black is a fan of the new-look state playoff format.

The Wolfpack, playing their first home playoff series after 14 consecutive region titles, swept Groves 12-0 and 16-0 on Tuesday to open the Class AAAAA playoffs.

In past years, the state playoffs began with sectionals played at a neutral site. Like baseball, the higher seed now plays host to the first two rounds of the softball playoffs. The eight remaining teams then travel to Columbus, Ga., for the finals.

Black proposed the new format at a meeting in January, and the Georgia High School Association adopted it.

"The community gets to come out to support the kids," said Black, whose team reached the finals last season. "Our student body, our parents, our middle school programs -- it's just something special being able to play at your own place."

Groves coach Kevin Brown also said he supported the new playoff format.

The two schools share a similar 'G' logo, but the comparisons end there.

"We knew coming in we were very overmatched," Brown said. "When a No. 4 (seed) travels to a No. 1, especially when a No. 1 is the caliber of Greenbrier ... you know it's a monumental task."

If Greenbrier struggled at all Tuesday, it was to keep fans' interest.

Wolfpack 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 four 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 her to pitch Tuesday in case she is 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 only 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.

Reach Stephen Fastenau at (706) 863-6165, ext. 116 or stephen.fastenau@augustachronicle.com.