MARIETTA – Facing one of the state’s top pitchers, West Forsyth Lady Wolverines softball couldn’t muster enough offense in 5-0 and 7-2 losses to Pope in the first round of the Class AAAAAA playoffs Wednesday.

West ended its season at 17-13, while Pope advanced to play Collins Hill in the second round.

"I’m very proud of our effort and the at-bats we battled out against a very good pitcher," West head coach Justin Rickett said. "I hate it that it is over for our kids but I am very proud of their effort and hustle all year."

The Lady Wolverines faced the prospect of having to win two out of three games against Lady Greyhounds ace Kelly Barnhill, who entered the series with a 0.54 ERA, but West hung tough in Game 1. The Lady Wolverines trailed just 2-1 after five innings, the lone run coming on an RBI double by Peyton Erb. But Barnhill put the game out of reach with a three-run home run.

Pope seized control of Game 2 with a five-run first inning. West’s Kayla Hardy hit a pinch-hit two-run home run, one of the last highlights for West’s 2014 season.