NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – Playing their final road game of the regular season, the Franklin women's basketball team turned in a dominant defensive performance on Friday (Feb. 19) night in a 57-32 win over the Manchester Spartans.

Franklin (6-4) clamped down on the Spartan (4-13) offense from the opening tip, holding the hosts to just 12 field goals and 1-of-15 three-point attempts. The 32 points allowed is a season-low for the Grizzlies and fewest since the 2018-19 season opener when they surrendered just 16 points to Mount Mary.

It was all Grizzlies from the jump as they took control of the contest in the opening to minutes. Franklin limited the Spartans to just a pair of field goals in the first period and led 15-4 with a Destinee Cross buzzer-beating three capping the first. The second period played out in similar fashion, with Franklin holding Manchester to two field goals and under 20% from the floor on their way to a 29-10 halftime lead.

Franklin's lead grew to its largest of the game in the third quarter when a layup from freshman Kayla Bruner fell to make it 50-17 late in the period. The Grizzlies coasted to victory over the final 10 minutes, holding Manchester to 25% (12-for-48) shooting on the night which is a season-best for the FC defense.

Bruner saw a career-high 16 minutes and led Franklin with 11 points and three steals off the bench. Franklin connected on 37.3% (22-for-59) of their field goals, going 4-for-15 from three and 9-for-14 at the line. The Grizzlies held a 41-37 edge on the glass with Nix's seven rebounds leading the Grizzlies. Libby Baker topped the team with three assists and Franklin won the turnover battle by a 28-17 count.

Franklin and Manchester will meet again on Saturday (Feb. 20) afternoon in Franklin for the final regular season game for each team. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m. with senior day festivities set to take place before the game.