HOLLAND, Mich. – For the first time in program history, the Franklin College softball team stepped on to the diamond for an NCAA regional contest, taking on the Calvin College Knights in the opening game of the Hope College regional.

The Grizzlies' (29-11) first tournament appearance didn't go as planned, as Calvin (31-8) kept the Franklin offense in check on Thursday (May 10) afternoon. The Grizzlies managed just two hits on the afternoon, dropping a 3-0 decision to the Knights.

Franklin put together the first threat of the day when Lexi Gaffney singled with two outs in the third and subsequently stole second for FC's first runner in scoring position. But Gaffney would be stranded in scoring position as Monica Collins popped up to third to end the threat.

Calvin followed with one run in the third, fourth and fifth innings before the Grizzlies' next threat. Lauren Huebler led off the sixth with a single and advanced to third, but was stranded 60 feet away from home.

Senior Olivia Paszek (17-4) scattered nine hits and allowed two earned runs, walking none and striking out three for the Grizzlies. Calvin's Anna Gernant (13-5) needed just 51 pitches to record the complete game.

Franklin will play for their NCAA Tournament lives on Friday (May 11), facing either Hope College or Greenville University in the first elimination contest of the regional. First pitch is set for approximately 11:00 a.m.