Lexington, Ky. - The Franklin College volleyball team improved to 5-0 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) play with a four-set road victory over Transylvania University (25-20, 13-25, 25-22, 25-22) on Wednesday in Lexington, Kentucky.

The Grizzlies relied on a stingy defensive effort that had three players record 10 or more digs and 13 blocks.

Franklin (15-7, 5-0 HCAC) held the host Pioneers to a .083 hitting percentage over the four sets.

"Coach Johnston always says that defense is an attitude," said sophomore setter Ashley Bazier (Terre Haute, Ind./Terre Haute South) following the match. "Keeping the ball alive through strong defensive play provides a transition into our offense. We can cover all aspects of the court."

The visitors closed out the first set on a 13-3 run to gain the early momentum. The Grizzlies also finished strong by winning five of the final eight points in the third set and three of last four points in the final frame.

"We have showcased all season that we finish strong," said Bazier. "We know we have the potential and that we cannot let up. Our practices are intense and we fight for every point."

Junior Kourtney Settle (Vallonia, Ind./Brownstown Central) led the team's offensive attack with 13 kills and a .250 hitting percentage. She also added three blocks in the victory.

Senior Jordan Finke (Indianapolis, Ind./Lutheran) chipped in nine kills, while junior Emily Young (Avon, Ind./Avon) tallied six kills.

Bazier distributed 31 assists and had 13 digs. She is the reigning HCAC Offensive Player of the Week.

"Having so many options as a hitter makes my job easier as a setter," stated Bazier. "I can set the ball to different players and I trust them that they will get the job done. I don't have to find one hitter all of the time, which makes it difficult for a defense to position."

Defensively, junior Mackenzie Wieneke (Seymour, Ind./Seymour) led the effort with 18 digs. Young recorded 10 digs and tied for team-high honors with two serving aces.

Junior Theresa Brown (Indianapolis, Ind./Franklin Central) rounded out the top offensive performers with two aces.

Franklin returns to action on Friday, October 17 at 6 p.m. when it hosts Defiance College from the Spurlock Center. Live video of the match will be available. In-game updates will also be available on Twitter (@FCAthletics) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FranklinCollegeAthletics).