By: Garrett Ramsey

FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Franklin College women's basketball team got back in the win column with a dominant performance on Wednesday (Jan. 26) night in a league matchup with the Earlham Quakers.

The Grizzlies (5-12, 3-7 HCAC) had three players reach double figures and the defense held Earlham (0-14, 0-7 HCAC) to under 30% from the field. The home side put the game away early in the second half, rolling to a 72-54 win.

How it Happened
In the opening frame, both teams battled for the lead in a period that saw four ties and four lead changes. A three from sophomore Kayla Bruner right before the buzzer sent the game into the second quarter tied 16-16. Franklin's defense clamped down on the Quakers offense in the second frame holding them to 4-of-18 shooting from the field while the offense got rolling down the stretch, going on an 11-3 run to close the half and take a 35-27 lead into the break.

The Grizzlies put the game out of reach early in the second half, going on a 17-3 run that led to their biggest lead of the night at 52-30. The Grizzlies held Earlham without a field goal during the run, giving the home side all the cushion they needed to close out the win.

Inside the Box Score
-Franklin held Earlham to 29% (20-for-69) from the field and 4-for-20 from long range. On the offensive end, the Grizzlies shot 36.8% (25-for-68) on the night.
-Senior Destinee Cross led the Grizzlies with 14 points and 11 rebounds, recording her second straight double-double. The Lafayette, Ind.-native has hit double figures in points in each of her last five games, averaging 18.8 per contest.
-Sophomore Kayla Bruner (11 pts) and freshman Jasmine Walker (10 pts) turned in big contributions off the bench. Franklin's reserves out-scored Earlham's bench by a 34-11 count.
-The Grizzlies grabbed a season-high 65 rebounds in the win, with every member of team pulling down at least one board.
-Sophomore Sarah O'Day had three of Franklin's seven blocks on the night. The seven rejections match a season-high for the Grizzlies. 

Up Next
Franklin is back at home on Saturday (Jan. 29) afternoon, when they host the Manchester Spartans. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.