MEADVILLE — Led by their seniors, the Franklin County Lady Bulldogs surprised Class 6A Vicksburg 12-2 Tuesday night in slowpitch softball action on Franklin County’s Senior Night for five veterans.
Before the contest, Franklin County seniors Kacey Smith, Rainee Bethley, Morgan Knapp, Katie Forman and Desiree Buie were honored along with their parents.
The Lady Bulldogs (16-6-1), got some big hits from the seniors when they needed it the most in game, as they routed the Lady Gators in five innings.
Vicksburg had plans to spoil the Senior Night tribute, as they collected an early 2-0 lead.
The Lady Bulldogs, coached by Dana and Mickey Smith, answered by tying the game at 2 after one inning of play.
Franklin County added five runs in the second frame to blow open the game.
Sophomore KeKe Collins provided a two-run triple to left field for the convincing command.
“Senior night went well tonight,” said Franklin County assistant coach Mickey Smith. “Our seniors stepped up, and as a team, we hit the ball well. We've just got to continue to hit and play good defense going into the playoffs.”
Franklin County can clinch the No.1 seed in the division today with a victory at West Marion. The Lady Dawgs are assured of a playoff berth in the 3A state playoffs, which open next week.
“We’ve just got to continue to play hard and stay focused,” said Franklin County head coach Dana Smith, whose Lady Bulldogs made it to the second round of last year’s Class 3A state playoffs.
Two undeclassmen led the Lady Bulldogs at the plate Tuesday night, in freshman Latroya Griffin with two doubles and sophmore KeKe Collins with a triple and a single.
Senior shortstop Kacey Smith had two singles, along with Desiree Buie, Allison Hauer, Morgan Knapp, Katie Forman, Vintrice Briggs and Mildred Starks.
Starks collected the mound win.
