FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Franklin women's soccer team opened a four-game homestand on Sunday (Sept. 12) afternoon with a matchup against the St. Mary's Belles.

The game appeared headed for overtime until the final five minutes, when the Grizzlies (1-3) got the game-winner from junior Elaina Page. Sophomore goalkeeper Riley Rice also turned in a career afternoon as the Grizzlies held off the Belles (4-1) for a 1-0 win.

How it Happened
The Grizzlies had their share of chances in the early going with both Page and Lilly Haines recording quality attempts that stayed out of the net. The two sides turned in a fairly even opening half, with shots on goal 6-3 in the Belles' favor in a scoreless first half.

Franklin's defense kept the bulk of the Belles' chances to long range throughout the afternoon, but Rice was sharp on two tough shot attempts that kept the game tied in the second half. With less than five minutes showing on the clock, Page played the hero when she took a Kinsey Price pass in the middle of the field and let a left-footed shot go that went over the St. Mary's keeper into the top of the net.

Rice was fantastic in earning her first career clean sheet, stopping 11 shots on the afternoon. It was also a new career-high in stops for the Waynesville, Ohio-native, giving her 28 total saves through three starts.

Up Next
Franklin's continues their homestand on Wednesday (Sept. 15) afternoon when they host Olivet College. Kick-off is set for 4:00 p.m.