MEADVILLE — Kacey Smith smiled when it was over because sheknew the mission had been accomplished. Smith’s new team, theFranklin County Lady Bulldogs, beat her former team, the WestLincoln Lady Bears, 8-5 Monday night in area slowpitch softballaction.

Franklin County used a six-run, sixth-inning explosion to ambushthe visiting Bears with timely hits from Shoniqua Cameron, DestinyDeDeaux, and Taylor Stewart to provide FC with a come from behindvictory.

“This was a good win for us,” said FC coach Dana Smith, who isassisted by her husband Mickey Smith. “Our girls battled back froma 5-2 deficit and came back and won.”

Led by some aggressive defense from Smith’s daughter Kacey, asophomore shortstop, who transferred to FCHS from West Lincoln thisseason, the Lady Bulldogs never gave up. Franklin County (2-1)trailed West Lincoln 5-2 after five innings of play, beforemounting a comeback.

“Franklin County got a few timely hits there in the sixth inningand that won it for them,” said West Lincoln coach Andrew Redd, whois assisted by Lane Young. “We’ve been struggling with hitting theball, but we’re improving.”

Heather Havard, Franklin High’s slowpitch softball all-timewinningest pitcher with 15 wins last season, collected her secondvictory of the season against the Lady Bears (0-3), striking outtwo and walking one.

“This was a tough win,” said Havard. “I think we’re a betterteam this year. With teamwork we can do anything.”

DeDeaux, Franklin County’s freshman catcher, provided soliddefense and some big hits when the Lady Bulldogs needed them themost. DeDeaux finished with a two singles and a double.

FCHS third baseman Taylor Stewart added three singles. KristinOglesby and Courtney Reid collected two singles. Speedster MoneaCameron had a double.

For the Lady Bears, Hollie Smith had a triple, a double, and asingle. Alexis Cook collected a double and two singles. Julie Caseplated two singles.

Shelby Lofton suffered the loss for West Lincoln, striking outone and walking three.

“I’m happy we won, but still we have to continue to improve,”added Coach Smith. “Our outfield has to be more consistent injudging a ball.”

Franklin County travels to West Lincoln Friday night for 5:30meeting. The Lady Bears play host Wesson tonight, beginning at6.