Good attitudes, work ethic and speed will be the team strengthsas the Franklin County Bulldogs kick off their season August 14 inslowpitch softball.

The Lady Bulldogs will have four seniors providing leadership withAllison Hauer, Kenyatta Hunt, Destiney Dedeaux and TammyAlexander.

“Our players have very good attitudes and has a strong work ethic,”said Franklin County head coach Dana Smith. “We are blessed withquickness.”

Smith, 39, will be starting her eighth season at the helm. The LadyBulldogs looks to improve on an 18-9-1 record last year and a 4-2record in district play.

The Lady Bulldogs have eight returning starters coming back to helpin the field: Kerra Collins at shortstop, Hauer at second base,Latorya Griffin at left-center field, Hunt at leftfield, MildredStarks at pitcher, Dedeaux at first base, Abbie Graves at catcherand Alexander at pitcher.

Franklin County lost five starters to graduation last year:shortstop Kacey Smith, catcher Desiree Buie, left-center fielderMorgan Knapp, right fielder Katie Forman and outfielder RaineeBethany.

“Overall, we will be a young team,” continued Smith. “We haveseventeen players that are from seventh through ninthgrades.”

Latorya Griffin was among the leaders with a .619 batting averagein 2009. Graves batted .545, Hauer .500 and Kerra Collins.482.

Franklin County assistant coach is Mickey Smith. Dana Smith has 27players on her squad.

The Lady Bulldogs first home game will be against the BrookhavenLady Panthers, Aug. 17. The junior varsity game will precede thevarsity game.