LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Franklin women's basketball team tipped off conference play on Wednesday (Nov. 30) night, taking on the #3 team in the nation in the Transylvania Pioneers to open Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) play.
 
A slow start on the offensive end proved critical as the Grizzlies (1-3, 0-1 HCAC) dropped their meeting with the Pioneers (5-0, 1-0 HCAC) by a 92-46 score.
 
The Pioneers knocked down five first quarter three pointers while Franklin went just 2-for-15 from the field over the opening 10 minutes. It was the start of a tough night shooting the ball for the Griz, as they connected on 33.9% (19-for-56) of their field goals and 2-of-11 threes.
 
Freshman Lauryn Bates led the Grizzlies with nine points, setting a new career-high in scoring. CiCi Bailey finished with seven points and grabbed a team-high five rebounds. Sarah O'Day had three assists to lead the team as Franklin assisted on 13 of their 19 field goals.
 
The Grizzlies look to rebound on Saturday (Dec. 3) afternoon, heading back out on the road to take on the Defiance Yellow Jackets. Tip-off from Ohio is set for 1:00 p.m.