Five Panther softball players earned statewide recognition last week. On June 26 the North Carolina Softball Coaches’ Association released its annual list of All-State players, including seniors Olivia Birchard, Laura Holland and Avery Moffitt, and sophomores Ashlyn McConnell and Kendall Rumans. Moffitt leaves Franklin as a three-time All-State honoree, while McConnell and Rumans were selected for the second straight year. In addition to the All-State players, senior Meyaeh Tran was named to the 3A All-District 8 team. The Panthers accrued a 15-4 record and placed second in the Mountain Seven Conference this spring. Birchard is pictured sliding back into first base versus North Henderson April 23. The Press will recap the seasons of these six Panthers in detail in future editions.