Stahl Video

Franklin, Ind. - The Franklin College volleyball team relied on a strong hitting attack and stingy defensive play in earning a straight-set victory against Centre College (25-18, 26-24, 27-25) during the program's Faculty and Staff Night on Wednesday from the Spurlock Center.

A double-double from freshman Kennedy Surface with 12 kills and 18 digs helped lead the Grizzlies. Junior Brooke Harvey tallied a team-high 15 kills as the hosts posted a .248 hitting percentage.

Freshman Jenna Spini registered nine kills and was one of three players to hit .260 or better in the victory.

Franklin (9-7) led 14-3 in the opening frame after winning 10 consecutive points on the serve from junior Amanda Lelivelt. Later in the set a kill from Spini gave the Grizzlies an 18-10 advantage.

In the second set, Franklin took a 20-17 lead on a kill by Surface. Centre (6-8) would later square the frame at 24-24 before consecutive kills by Spini gave the Grizzlies a 2-0 set advantage.

The two teams battled for possession in the third set. Franklin tied the frame at 20-20 following a kill from Surface. Trailing 24-23, junior Gab Arthur squared the set with one of her four kills in the match. Surface later secure the victory with a kill on match point.

Senior Ashley Bazier led the Grizzlies with 22 assists, while freshman Nico Morris added 21 assists. Both players chipped in eight digs in the match.

Sophomore Libby Stahl had a match-high 20 digs, while Surface tallied 18 digs.

Franklin returns to action on Saturday, October 1 at 11 a.m. when it hosts Earlham College in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action. The Grizzlies also hosts Fontbonne University later that afternoon at 3 p.m. from the Spurlock Center.