Franklin, Ind. - The Franklin College women's basketball relied on a balanced scoring attack with five players scoring seven or more points in a 57-53 victory over Mount St. Joseph University in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) play on Saturday from the Spurlock Center.

The Grizzlies (16-7, 12-4 HCAC) were led by junior Lauren DeSutter (Pittsboro, Ind./Tri-West) with 13 points. Junior Emily Alfrey (Fairland, Ind./Triton Central) scored eight points and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds. Sophomore Kelsey Smith (Lexington, Ind./Scottsburg) chipped in eight points. Junior Kayle Comer (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) and sophomore Riley Achenbach (Shelbyville, Ind./Shelbyville) each scored seven points in the victory.

Franklin held MSJ to 19.2 percent shooting in the first half to build a 25-16 halftime advantage. The Grizzlies held MSJ to three free throws and no field goals for the first 7:41 of the third quarter. Franklin build a 17-point lead, 36-19, after a pair of free throws by Achenbach at the 2:36 mark of the third quarter.

MSJ scored six straight points in the final 42 seconds of the third quarter to cut the deficit to eight points, 40-32, heading into the final 10 minutes of the contest.

The Grizzlies pushed the margin to 12 points, 47-35, on a jumper by DeSutter with 7:42 remaining. Later, MSJ made another run and got within five points, 55-50, after a three-point field goal by Brilyn Webb with 2:56 left. Franklin's lead was trimmed to two points, 55-53, after two free throws by Lainee Studer with 29 seconds left.

Following a turnover, MSJ had a chance to tie or take the lead but Erica Walsh missed a jumper with 13 seconds left. Franklin's DeSutter grabbed the defensive rebound and drained two free throws to secure the victory.

The Grizzlies shot 45.5 percent from the floor and held MSJ to 27.5 percent shooting in the contest. The hosts held a 37-30 rebounding edge.

Franklin raised public awareness for breast cancer research during today's 'Play4Kay' game with monetary donations going towards the Kay Yow Cancer Fund..

The team returns to action on Wednesday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. when it hosts Transylvania University on Senior Night from the Spurlock Center. The women's basketball program will honor senior Katie Brewer (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) prior to the game.

Live video and statistics of Wednesday's game will be available. In-game updates will also be available on Twitter (@FCAthletics). Like the Grizzlies on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FranklinCollegeAthletics), and on Instagram (@fcgrizzlies).