MEADVILLE – The Franklin County Lady Bulldogs rallied in the seventh inning to edge the Wesson Lady Cobras 19-18 in a offensive slugfest Tuesday night in Region 7-2A slowpitch softball action.

“Wow! This was an offensive game,” said Franklin County coach Dana Smith. “Both teams came out and hit the ball really well. Our goal was to not let Wesson go undefeated in the district race. Overall, I am very pleased with my girls” effort. They managed to stay positive through this slugfest and did not get rattled in the last inning when we down.”

The Lady Bulldogs (7-16, 4-2) clinched a playoff spot as the No. 2 seed in Region 7-2A race. Franklin County will be in action Thursday to wrap up the regular on the road against McComb. Junior varsity begins at 5 p.m., followed by varsity action at 6:30.

FCHS starts playoff action Tuesday, Oct. 15. They will visit New Augusta to battle the Perry Central Lady Bulldogs in the open round of the 3A state playoffs. Game time is at 5 p.m. for the first game, 6:30 for the second game, and, if necessary, 8 p.m. for the third game.

The Lady Cobras (18-7, 5-1) was the winner of the Region 7-2A race. Wesson has the rest of the week off to prepare for the 3A state playoffs. They will host the St. Patrick Fighting Lady Irish in the opening round Tuesday. Game time is to be determined.

Franklin Co. 19, Wesson 18

The Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Cobras provided an offensive show for their softball fans as both teams battled back and forth.

Wesson came out the gates in the first inning to grab a 3-0 lead. Franklin County answered and tied the game at three-all in the bottom of the first inning.

The Lady Bulldogs seized a 6-3 in the bottom of the third inning and increased their lead to 10-5 after five innings of work.

The Lady Cobras rallied to reclaim the lead in the last two innings and were able to outscore Franklin County 13-0 to take a 18-10 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, FCHS refused to give up and charged back to skin the Lady Cobras by pushing across nine runs.

Shelly Case was the winning pitcher for the Lady Bulldogs with no strikeouts and no walks.

Cheyenne Gladden suffered the setback for the Lady Cobras with one strikeout and five walks.

Jameria Starks provided the offensive spark to lead Franklin County with a home run, a double and two singles. Sierra Bethley and Emilee Wallace fueled the flames with a home run and a single apiece. Macy Brabham contributed a double and three singles.

Hayle McKinney ripped two doubles and a single. Alyssa Case had a pair of singles. Kenzie Whitehead and Case hit safely.

Bailey Middleton was the offensive leader for Wesson with a home run, three doubles and a single. Kayla Britt provided help with a grand slam home run, two doubles and a single.

Hailey Chassion contributed a triple and two singles. Kaitlyn Smith had double and two singles. Sarah Robinson hit a double and a single. Sabria Green provided a pair of singles. Brooke Page and Amber Brinson ripped a double apiece.

“We did not come ready to play,” said Wesson coach Jackie Johnson. “We have got to do a better job making the plays defensively.”

In JV action, Wesson surpassed Franklin County 5-3.

Brooke Page paced the Lady Cobras at the plate with a double and a single. Amber Brinson contributed two singles. Abby Meredith, Carrie McSweyn and Katie Westbrook hit safely.

Jealeshia Bethley, Emilee Wallace and Tabitha Thompson directed the Lady Bulldogs with a single each.