Cameron’s RBI lifts Franklin over N. Pike

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, October 1, 2008

MEADVILLE – For Shaniquia Cameron it was only fitting that onher Senior Night she made the game-winning hit to spark FranklinCounty’s celebration. Cameron produced in the clutch with an RBIdouble to beat rival North Pike 8-7 and lead FCHS to its sixthcome-from-behind victory this season.

“I was praying on that one,” said Cameron about the game winner.”I’m just happy we came back and won.”

Scoring three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, the FCLady Bulldogs (16-4) won in thrilling fashion.

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Down 7-5, Franklin County got leadoff singles from Nicole Whiteand Kacey Smith, before freshman Latroya Griffin doubled bothrunners in to tie the game at 7-7. Two batters later, Cameron sentGriffin home with her monster smash to outfield.

“We made some mistakes but the girls kept their heads up andwere able to get some clutch hits in the end,” said FC head coachDana Smith. “This was a big win for our seniors and our wholeteam.”

Before the game, the team paid tribute to its seniors: CourtneyReid, Taylor Stewart, and Cameron. Each was honored with flowersand introduced with their parents.

North Pike attempted to spoil the ceremonies by collecting anearly 4-0 lead. Franklin County bounced back in the bottom half ofthe second frame, plating five runs on four hits. The Lady Jaguarstied the game in the third off a Kelsey Lord RBI double and tookback the lead in the sixth.

“We didn’t give up,” said Smith, “We just found a way towin.”

Griffin led the team with a double and two singles. Stewart andCameron each had a double and a single for an RBI. Junior shortstopKacey Smith plated two singles, as did Morgan Knapp and CourtneyReid.

Reaching base safely for the Lady Bulldogs were Desiree Buie,Nicole White, and KeKe Collins.

Winning pitcher for FCHS was Mildred Starks.

For North Pike, coached by Sonya Wallace, Lauren Wallace ledwith a double and two singles. Shelby Abdul Hadi had two singles.Summa Brown and Lord each plated a double.

Franklin County travels to Bogue Chitto Thursday afternoon for avarsity contest beginning at 5. The Lady Bulldogs begin Class 3Aplayoff action Tuesday, Oct. 7, playing host to Purvis inMeadville. It will be a best-of-three series.