MEADVILLE — Paced by a career night on the mound and at the plate by senior Melissa McFarland, the Franklin County Lady Bulldogs blasted division rival West Marion 10-0 in five innings in varsity softball action.

FCHS resumes play Friday night beginning at 5:30 against North Pike.

“Melissa did an excellent job on the mound,” said Lady Dawgs coach Dana Smith. “As a team we hit the ball extremely well tonight.”

McFarland plated two doubles and two singles for the Lady Bulldogs (6-2, 1-1). Franklin County plated 12 hits in the contest, including four in the top of the fifth to end the game.

“It was a good win for us,” added Smith.

On the mound, McFarland was lights out, striking out 12 in the game. She improved to 4-1 on the hill this season.

“Melissa changed a few things with her pitching,” said Smith. “She was on tonight.”

Elsewhere for the Lady Bulldogs, sophomore shortstop Kacey Smith had two doubles and a single. Taylor Stewart plated two singles, while Heather Havard had an RBI triple. Freshmen Heidi Thornton had a two RBI double.

The Lady Bulldogs exploded for three runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, to put the game out of reach. Coached by Dana and Mickey Smith, Franklin County is off to its best start since 2000.