Errors end Lady Falcons' state tourney bid

HAMPTON - With a two-run lead over Franklin County and Holli Lewis on the mound, it appeared the No. 9-ranked Flowery Branch girls softball team was poised to become the first team in school history to make a state tournament appearance.<br> <br> But two errors later in the game helped Franklin rally for a 3-2 win Saturday ending the Lady Falcons&#39; improbable run through the Class AAA North Sectionals.<br> <br> They lost 10-1 earlier in the day to No. 1-ranked Grayson to set up the elimination game with the Lady Lions.<br> <br> Flowery Branch (21-14) had perhaps the biggest turnaround of any team in the state this year after winning just two games in its first year in 2002.<br> <br> Coach Todd Henry said after Thursday&#39;s game put them in a position to play for a spot in next week&#39;s Elite Eight they&#39;ve had a great run no matter what happened.<br> <br> &#34;I don&#39;t think you could ask any more from a group of girls,&#34; Henry said. &#34;They&#39;ve done all the little things needed to win games.&#34;<br> <br> Chestatee got within one game of playing for a shot at the tournament, beating Central-Carroll in the loser&#39;s bracket but fell to Franklin County. Franklin then went on to beat Flowery Branch.<br> <br> North Hall will represent Hall County in the upcoming state tournament. The Lady Trojans went 3-0 in the sectionals to advance.