FRANKLIN, Ind. – Playing their first post-season game in three seasons, the No. 3-seeded Franklin women's basketball team turned in a sterling defensive effort to knock off sixth-seeded Earlham and advance to the semifinals of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Tournament.

The Grizzlies (17-8) held the Quakers (8-18) to 19.7% (12-for-61) from the floor and forced 22 turnovers in a 63-35 win. It marked the fewest points allowed in a game by the Grizzlies this season, and the team is allowing just 43.3 points per game during their current six-game winning streak.

Franklin took the lead on the game's first possession and never let it go, jumping out to a 14-2 lead wit Earlham managing just one field goal over the game's first eight minutes. Franklin went 6-for-12 from the field in the opening period and held a 17-7 lead after 10 minutes of play.

The Grizzlies kept up their frantic defensive pressure into the second quarter, holding Earlham scoreless for more than six minutes to open the period. By the time the Quakers recorded their first points of the period, Franklin held a 29-7 edge and would lead by as many as 23 before heading into the half with a 34-14 advantage.

Earlham opened the second half with an 8-3 run to get within 37-22 with 6:29 to go in the third quarter. Franklin would rebound from their slow start to the half and take a 46-26 lead into the final quarter. The final frame saw the Grizzlies lead by as many as 30 points before the final horn sounded and their trip to Kentucky for the second round was secured.

Sophomore Destinee Cross put in a career-high 20 points, going 8-for-10 from the floor and knocking down a personal-best three three-pointers. Freshman Jenna Cowart went for her second straight double-double, pouring in 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

Franklin went 25-for-62 from the field and out-rebounded the Quakers 55-36, grabbing 20 offensive rebounds for the second straight game. The Grizzlies out-scored Earlham 32-14 in the paint and put in 20 second-chance points.

Next up for the Grizzlies is a trip to Lexington, Ky. for the conference semifinals on Saturday (Feb. 28) afternoon. Opposing the Grizzlies will be the second-seeded Hanover Panthers, with tip-off between the two rivals set for 3:00 p.m.