RICHMOND, Ind. - The Franklin women's tennis team secured a berth in the upcoming Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Tournament on Saturday (Oct. 12) afternoon, rolling to an 8-1 win over the Earlham Quakers in their final road match of the regular season. 

The Grizzlies moved to 5-6 for the fall and 4-3 in league play with their win over the Quakers, who dropped to 0-10 on the year. The Grizzlies mixed up their usual doubles lineup with Madison Pifer and Kinley Harmon taking an 8-2 decision in their first match competing at the No. 1 doubles spot. Maddie Bright and Chelsie Whorton teamed up for the first time at the No. 2 position, claiming an 8-4 win. The Grizzlies picked up a sweep in doubles play when Addie Rund and Emma Foley won by default. 

Bright continued her strong fall from the top doubles spot with a 6-0, 6-0 win. Pifer secured the fifth point of the afternoon with a 6-0, 6-1 win from the No. 3 position while Whorton matched that score to earn a victory in her first match from the No. 4 position. Rund and Sydney Logsdon were winners by default, wrapping up singles play. 

Franklin wraps up their fall regular season on Sunday (Oct. 13) afternoon, when they welcome Rose-Hulman to town in their final preparation for the conference tournament. First serve from Franklin's Mickel-Hoover Tennis Complex is set for 1:00 p.m.