SOUTH CHARLESTON — Wahama is back at the WVSSAC state softball tournament and once again the White Falcons are making the most of the opportunity.

Gracie Banks struck out nine and tossed a two-hit shutout while top-seeded Wahama edged No. 8 East Hardy 2-0 Tuesday morning in a Class A quarterfinal at Little Creek Park.

The victory sends Wahama (24-11) into the Class A semifinals as the White Falcons continue their return to the state tournament after missing last season. Wahama previously captured the Class A state championship in 2023 and made its first state tournament appearance in 2021.

Banks controlled the game from the circle from the outset, allowing just two singles and no walks across seven innings while throwing 58 strikes in 77 pitches.

East Hardy (10-13) managed only singles from Madison Strosnider and Bella Bauserman as Banks repeatedly worked ahead in counts and kept the Cougars from generating sustained offense.

The White Falcons scratched across the game’s only runs in the second inning despite finishing with just one hit.

Abby Flowers delivered Wahama’s lone hit of the game – a double – and scored one of the two runs while also driving in a run. Wahama also capitalized on four walks and a pair of East Hardy errors.

East Hardy pitcher Madison Strosnider kept the Cougars within striking distance throughout the morning, allowing just one hit and one earned run over six innings while striking out four.

The Cougars threatened in the seventh after Strosnider singled with one out, but Wahama escaped the jam when Bella Bauserman lined into a game-ending double play.

The White Falcons will play Wheeling Central at 9 a.m., Thursday in the semifinals.