Dixie Belles State Bound

The Franklin County Dixie Belles All-Stars softball team won Monday night in Marianna in a tight nail biter against Grand Ridge in extra innings to take home the district trophy and a chance to play for the state championship in Bellview the weekend of July 3 though 7.

This is the first time that the Belles won in this division. This group of girls lost the first game 9-2 and had to play a doubleheader to settle the loss tie. T he second game brought out the true spirit and willingness to group together as one to overcome defeat. They played hard and battled to the end of the seventh, tied at 13. Then, in a tie -breaking eighth inning, the Belles rallied with two outs and scored three runs snagging the championship 16-13 after 15 innings of grueling play that night.

This is the first time Franklin County has ever had a Belles team win the district and advance to state. The All-stars team are comprised of teen-age girls, 13-15 year olds, from Apalachicola and Carrabelle.

Coaches are Kevin Newell, David Varnes and Mike Shiver. Players are Morgan Newell, Tiffany Varnes, Shelby Shiver, Megan Newell, Cheyna Segree, Carley Sapp, Kyndal Hardy, Morgan Kelley, Brooke Harper Varnes, Shelbi Maxwell, Emily Hatfield and Gracyn Kirvin.

Parents are hoping to raise $10,000 to cover all the travel, food, lodging, and fees for the five-day trip. Contributions  should be made out to "Franklin County All-Stars" and designate it to "Girls 13-15" so it gets earmarked for the team.

For more information please call Tammi Hardy 556-4692, Mindy Kelly 697-4023, Milissa Varnes 653-2549, Melanie Shiver 653-8796 or Christy Kirvin 653-8489. Photo by Milissa Varnes.