Franklinton’s Lady Demons came up short to Beau Chene, 4-3, in the quarterfinal round of the Class 4A state playoffs on the road Saturday, capping off a solid 2019 campaign.
This year, Franklinton won the District 8-4A title and the team was victorious in a pair of playoff games.
“Outstanding season,” Franklinton coach Leslie McGhee said. “We have so much to be proud of, making history again. FHS softball was seeded number five in 4A and fought their way to the quarterfinals. That says a lot about what kind of team we have. This has never been done before. We have a young team, so the future is bright.”
Saturday’s game went down to the wire. The contest was tied 3-3 through six innings. Fourth-seeded Beau Chene scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh to advance.
“Great effort throughout game. Just had some things that didn’t go our way,” McGhee said about the game. “Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be this year. Beau Chene is a good team and things went their way at the right time. No one likes to lose, especially in the bottom of the seventh, but it was great experience for (my players). I believe you have to have experience at that level to continue to compete at that level.”
The fifth-seeded Lady Demons recorded five hits.
Bailey Spears singled twice and scored a run.
Albanie Fussell posted two singles and a pair of runs batted in.
Ashlan Ard doubled, scored a run and drove one home.
Brylie Fowler scored a run.
Aleigha Fussell allowed two earned runs on six hits with three strikeouts and a walk in a complete game.
Franklinton had one senior in Spears.
“Great leader, dedicated to the game and hard worker,” McGhee said. “Going to miss her contributions she has given to the team the last four years.”
Beau Chene will play ninth-seeded Buckeye in the state tournament on Friday. Buckeye defeated No. 16 Tioga, 4-3, on Friday.