Franklin, Ind. - The Franklin College women's basketball team earned its first victory over a nationally ranked opponent since the 2011-12 season when it defeated No. 19 DePauw University 57-55 on Friday evening. The contest opened the two-day Damon's/Hampton Inn Tip Off Classic at Wilmington College.

Franklin (1-1) went on 14-4 run in the fourth quarter to tie the contest at 51-51 at the 2:21 mark. A basket by junior Kayle Comer (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) brought the Grizzlies within four points, 51-47, with 3:24 left. Two free throws by junior Lauren DeSutter (Pittsboro, Ind./Tri-West) was followed by a layup from Comer to cap the run.

DeSutter connected on two free throws to give Franklin a 53-51 advantage at the 1:59 mark of the fourth quarter.

DePauw (1-1) answered with a layup by Maya Howard to tie the game, 53-53, with 1:13 remaining. Franklin regained the lead, 55-53, after a layup by sophomore Kelsey Smith (Lexington, Ind./Scottsburg) with 41 seconds left. DePauw's Howard made a jumper with 23 seconds left to square the contest at 55-55.

Franklin scored the eventual game-winning points when DeSutter made two free throws with 12 seconds remaining. Both teams would turn the ball over in the closing seconds. DePauw's Claire Ryan missed two free throws with one second left that would have tied the game.

The fourth quarter featured three ties and one lead change.

Franklin led 11-7 after the first 10-minute quarter. The Grizzlies held a 22-19 halftime advantage behind four three-point field goals. DePauw outscored Franklin 20-15 in the third quarter and led 39-37 heading into the fourth quarter. Then came the Grizzlies fourth-quarter rally.

DeSutter led Franklin with 13 points, including a perfect 6-for-6 at the free throw line. Senior Katie Brewer (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) scored 12 points and 10 rebounds. Comer also chipped in 12 points in the victory.

Franklin returns to action on Saturday, November 21, at 3 p.m. when it battles Wilmington.