LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Franklin volleyball team stepped out of league play on Wednesday (Oct. 16) night, traveling to Columbia Gym for their second meeting of the year with the Spalding Golden Eagles.

The Grizzlies (15-9) got a career-high 18 kills from Kyndall Boyll and a season-best 17 kills from senior Kyra Harvey, but the two were unable to carry the Grizzlies past Spalding (8-16), falling in four sets 26-24, 25-19, 19-25, 25-19.

The Grizzlies came out swinging in the opening set, putting down 18 kills and hitting a game-high .279 in the frame. But leading 23-22 late in the game, the hosts rattled off four of the final five points to steal the set and take a 1-0 lead. Game two saw the Golden Eagles step up on the attack with 14 kills to nine for the Grizzlies, allowing them to stretch the lead to a pair.

With their backs against the wall, the Grizzlies jumped out to a 10-4 lead in the third set before the Golden Eagles battled back to tie things up. But Franklin closed out the game by taking seven of the last 11 points to stay alive, holding Spalding to a miniscule eight kills in the set. But their comeback bid was squashed in the fourth game thanks to a Spalding attack that hit .286 and finished with 16 kills.

Freshman Billie Jarrett handed out 49 assists for the Grizzlies, her second-highest total of the year and the seventh time this season the Speedway, Ind.-native handed out at least 40 helpers. Allison Thompson led all players with 26 digs and was joined in double-figures by Kylie Paul (15) and Morgan Curtis (12). Abby Sewell had a team-high six block assists.

Franklin returns to action at home on Friday (Oct. 18) night, welcoming the Defiance Yellow Jackets to town for a critical conference showdown. First serve from the Spurlock Center is set for 6:30 p.m.