Fuqua School’s varsity softball team continued its quest to return to form and defend its 2018 state title by defeating visiting Buckingham County High School 9-2 Wednesday with a strong offensive performance.

“Everybody was hitting,” said Lady Falcons senior pitcher Regan Ware, who led the team with three hits. “We were going up and down the lineup, so I was super proud of it.”

Fuqua (6-2) ended up with 10 hits on the day. Senior Kayla Gurley had two, and five other Lady Falcons had one apiece.

Lady Falcons Head Coach Mike Ford complimented Buckingham’s defense.

“Their outfield made some great plays, but we swung the bat well,” he said. “Kicked it around a little bit one inning but kind of recovered, stopped the bleeding, which I was happy to see and other than that played pretty solid for the most part.”

Ware also threw nine strikeouts and allowed only three hits.

Three games into the season, Ford said his team was playing at 40 percent of its ability.

Following the eighth game Wednesday, he said, “We’re at 60 now and climbing.”