ADEL, Ga. — The Cook Hornets completed a dominant sweep of Coahulla Creek on Wednesday, advancing to the second round of the GHSA softball playoffs with a convincing Game 2 victory.

The 22-4 Hornets, coming off an 8-1 Game 1 win, relied on stellar pitching from ace Abby Griffis and timely hitting from several key players to secure their spot in the next round.

Defensive excellence sets the tone

Cook’s defense provided crucial support throughout the series, with left fielder Shanaria McCormick making several spectacular plays in the outfield. The defensive foundation gave Griffis the confidence she needed on the mound.

“I was feeling very confident. I know I had a big D behind me, so I knew if I missed a spot, they going to get it. So I felt really confident,” Griffis said.

Offensive breakout in Game 2

After a scoreless first two innings, sophomore Cadence Smith ignited the Hornets’ offense with a standup double to the gap. Smith’s performance across both games was exceptional, going 5-for-7 with five RBIs and three extra-base hits.

Halle McMillan drove in Smith with a single to give Cook a 1-0 lead, then McCormick extended the advantage to 2-0 with a perfectly executed bunt that resulted in an error and allowed her to reach base safely.

McMillan delivered the decisive blow later in the game, going 3-for-3 and driving in two more runs with a shot that reached the wall, effectively putting the series away.

Griffis dominates from the circle

Griffis was dominant throughout both games, pitching two complete games and recording 25 strikeouts across 14 innings. Her performance was the backbone of Cook’s playoff success.

The Hornets now advance to face their next opponent in the second round of the GHSA softball playoffs, riding the momentum of their impressive sweep.

Check out more results from the opening round of the GHSA playoffs.

6A

Buford def. Colquitt County (7,0) (14,0)

Tift County def. Collins Hill (6,5) (12,0)

5A

Creekview def. Coffee (8,0) (18,0)

Lassiter def. Lee County (8,4) (4,3)

3A

Lafayette def. Bainbridge (8,0) (21,0)

Mary Persons def. Westover (15,0) (16,1)

Cairo def. Cross Creek (11,2) (17,1)

2A

Crisp County def. Burke County (18,1) (16,1)

Cook def. Coahulla Creek (8,1) (6,0)

A Div I

Berrien vs. ACE Charter (1,9) (12,11) Game 3 Thurs. 10/16

Thomasville vs. Model (6,9) (10,5) Game 3 Thurs. 10/16

Social Circle def. Worth County (7,2) (10,3)

A Div II

Clinch County vs. Crawford County (4,3) (2,11) (6,4)

Baconton Charter def. Towns County (12,4) (22,6)

Irwin County def. Marion County (6,2) (8,1)

Washington-Wilkes def. Seminole County (14,0) (14,1)

Lincoln County def. Pelham (18,2) (13,4)

Lake Oconee Academy def. Miller County (9,6) (9,0)

Wilcox County def. Bowdon (2,1) (9,8)

Lanier County def. Schley (8,0) (15,1)

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