FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Franklin College softball team brought the regular season to a close on Friday (Apr. 29) afternoon with two games against the Defiance Yellow Jackets on Senior Day at Behrens Field.

At the conclusion of the day, the Franklin softball program said thank you to seniors Makiah Thomas, Makayla Plymale, Addie Csikos and Samantha Cornelius. The Grizzlies (20-17, 10-6 HCAC) had their home finale spoiled by the Jackets (21-13, 10-6 HCAC), with Defiance winning game one 7-0 and taking game two 2-1.

Game One: Defiance 7 – Franklin 0
Franklin's offense recorded seven hits in the opening contest, with Plymale going 2-for-3 out of the cleanup spot to lead all batters. But the Grizzlies couldn't string together hits when scoring chances presented themselves, while Defiance put the game out of reach with six runs over the final three innings.

Game Two: Defiance 2 – Franklin 1
The Yellow Jackets plated both of their runs in the second, but the Grizzlies cut the deficit in half in the third when a ground out from Annie Kluemper brought home Csikos and moved a runner to third. Sydney Bostic followed and stung the first pitch she saw, but the ball was hit right at the third baseman to end the threat. The Grizzlies put multiple runners on in both the fourth and sixth innings, but couldn't get the tying run in.

Stephanni Kleber (6-10) turned in a strong showing in the circle, scattering four hits and striking out five in a complete game effort. Molly Wallace went 2-for-2 at the plate, and was the only Grizzly to record multiple hits.

Up Next
The Grizzlies will take part in the 2022 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Tournament on May 5-7, with a spot in the NCAA Tournament up for grabs.

Franklin will learn their destination, first round opponent and start time at a later date.