WESSON – Wesson’s catcher Kaitlyn Smith stood strong at homeplate as she recorded the final out on a FC runner sliding into home in the seventh inning, which denied Franklin County’s chance of a comeback.

The Lady Cobras ended up winning the contest over the Lady Bulldogs 5-4 and captured their first Region crown in 7-3A slowpitch softball action.

Friends and family members gathered to recognize their only senior, Kayla Britt, for senior night.

“I am extremely proud of the girls effort,” said Wesson first year coach Michelle Nunnery. “This was a big district win for us. Wow! What a way to out our only senior on Senior Night. I hope we can continue this momentum next week as we prepare for the playoffs.”

Wesson (11-13, 6-0) will conclude the regular season this Thursday as they prepare to Magnolia to take on the South Pike Lady Eagles. Junior varsity action starts at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 6 p.m.

The Lady Cobras and the Lady Bulldogs both clinched a playoff birth that begins Tuesday. Franklin County will visit the winner of the Choctaw Central-Philadelphia game. Wesson will host the loser of the same contest. Game times have not been set.

Wesson 5, Franklin Co. 4 

In a battle that would decide who will win the division crown and host the first round of the playoff, Wesson and Franklin County provided an exciting bout both offensively and defensively for their softball fans.

In the first two innings, both teams fought hard to keep the scoreless, until the top of the third inning. Franklin County’s Macy Brabham and Nuda Stark hit back-to-back home runs to give the Lady Bulldogs a 3-0 lead.

In the bottom of the third inning, the Lady Cobras answered FC’s challenge and fought back by scoring two runs to cut into the Lady Bulldogs at 3-2.

Wesson ended up taking the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning with a three-run push to claim a 5-3 advantage. Franklin County would cut down Wesson’s lead after scoring one run in the top of the sixth inning.

In the seventh inning, the Lady Bulldogs threatened to take over the contest with two outs, but with a huge play from Kayla Britt to Kaitlyn Smith at home plate for the final out ended the FC’s threat and gave Wesson the win at 5-4.

The Lady Cobras’ seventh grade pitcher tossed the victory collecting one strikeout and two walks.

Shelly Case suffered the setback for the Lady Bulldogs with no strikeouts and one walk.

Britt was the offensive leader at the plate for Wesson with a double and a single. Abby Meredith and Riley Smith provided a pair of singles. Harmoni Ashley hit a single.

Macy Brabham, Nuda Starks and Jaleshia Bethley powered Franklin County’s offensive attack with a home run each. Shelly Case contributed two singles. Sierra Bethley had a double. Hittng safely were Emilee Wallace, Kaytlyn Smith and Cheyenne Higgs.

In JV action,  Wesson defeated Franklin County 12-6.

Arie Douglas and Shelbi Maxwell was the top offensive hitter for Wesson with two singles apiece. Riley Smith had a double. Hitting safely were Melody Ashley, Catherine Wilson, Anna Claire Crow, Madison Oster and Makenzie Dooley.

Chasney Green, Brandi O’Neal and Tabitha Thompson directed Franklin County’s offense with a double each. McKenzie and Ti’Mara Mackey hit a single apiece.