WARSAW, IN – Playing the first match of an abbreviated spring season, the Franklin women's tennis team fell in a tight contest with Alma College on Saturday (Feb. 23) afternoon, dropping a 5-4 decision to the Scots.

Franklin captured the first point of the day in the top doubles match, getting an 8-4 win from Alexa Schofner and Holyn Eldridge. But the Grizzlies headed into singles play down by a point, as Alma rallied to take two close matches at the second and third doubles spots.

Schofner was the first Grizzly single to secure a point for Franklin, making quick work of her opponent with a 6-2, 6-2 score from the third singles spot. Brianna Hutton engaged in a back-and-forth battle, but eventually overcame her opponent for a 6-1, 0-6, (13-11) victory at the fifth position. No. 6 competitior Madison Pifer claimed a victory by forfeit after taking the first set, 7-5. But the Scots were able to wrestle away a pair of three-set victories in singles play that helped the clinch the match.

Franklin is set to return to action on April 7, when they welcome Manchester University to the Mickel-Hoover Tennis Complex. First serve is set for 12:00 p.m.