FRANKLIN, Ind. (April 11, 2017) – The Franklin College women's lacrosse team defeated visiting Thomas More College 13-9 on Tuesday evening.

Senior Hannah Grow sparked the Grizzlies with team-high totals of five goals and three assists. Junior Cali Welti had two goals and one assist, and junior Jess Silva had two goals.

Junior Abby Stayer, senior Lexi Ingram, junior Morgan McIntosh and sophomore Brooke Hughes had one goal each for the Grizzlies. Senior goal-keeper Kayanna Wolter had six saves and picked up the win.

Thomas More jumped out to a quick 2-4 lead on pairs of goals from Tori Liles and Jeni Hall. However, The Grizzlies responded well and scored seven of the next eight goals and never looked back. They carried a 8-5 lead into halftime.

A superb defensive effort was lead today by senior Alysia Funderberg and junior Haley Lowe, shutting down the Saints' offense in the second half. Ingram had a game-high four caused turnovers with junior Morgan McIntosh with three. This is the third consecutive game the Grizzlies' defense has allowed 10 goals or less in a game.

The Grizzlies dominated the majority of team statistics, leading the game in ground balls, draw controls, clearing percentage, and had almost half as many team fouls. 

"Today was a solid, well-rounded team win," said first-year head coach Colin McSharar. "Different players stepped up in different roles today. We all responded well to our opponent's tough play, and I'm proud of how we performed start to finish."

With the victory, the Grizzlies improved to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the Ohio River Lacrosse Conference. They remained tied for first in the conference standings.

Coach McSharar added, "These next few weeks are going to be crazy. We play a very intense conference schedule coming up, and have a quick turnaround between games. But, we are poised to peak at the right time and should be pretty fun to watch."

Franklin's next game is Saturday at Waynesburg. Game-time is 11 a.m. The Grizzlies return home next when they take on arch-rival Hanover on April 26 at 7:30 p.m.