FRANKLIN – Opening night for the Franklin women's basketball team was nothing short of a success, as the Grizzlies dominated Saint Mary's (IN) on Wednesday night in an 85-56 victory in the Spurlock Center.
The Grizzlies (1-0) shot 44.4% (28-for-63) from the field and forced 22 Belles (0-1) turnovers on the night, with the home side leading for nearly 37 minutes in the contest.
How it Happened
Both teams started fast out of the gate, getting up and down the floor with pace. The Belles held their largest lead of the night at 7-4 with 7:42 to go in the first quarter, but a
Maddie Barnes triple knotted up the game and started a 13-2 Franklin run that put the hosts ahead for good. Saint Mary's was able to stay within striking distance and trailed 34-27 with 3:15 to go in the half, but Franklin ended the second period strong by out-scoring the Belles 16-8 over the remainder of the quarter to take a 46-35 lead into the break.
An 8-2 Franklin run opened the second half put the contest out of reach, as the Grizzlies flustered the Belles' offense over the final 20 minutes. Saint Mary's netted just seven field goals and shot 21.9% over the final 20 minutes of play, with each member of Franklin that entered the game making contributions at both ends of the floor.
Inside the Box Score
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Jordan Coon topped Franklin with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals in a team-high 28 minutes of action.
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Brooke Grinstead had 13 points and a team-high three triples in her Franklin debut.
-The Grizzlies took exceptional care of the ball, committing just nine turnovers to the 22 they forced.
-Grinstead was one of 10 players to make their regular season debut for Franklin. Joining her were:
Briley Munchel,
Lauren Barker,
Payton Seay,
Kyra Duncan,
Hannah Stutsman,
Brileigh Cardwell,
Abby Moore,
Claire Ecenbarger and
Kaylee Rhoton.
-Rebounds were 44-40 in the Belles' favor, with 15 different Franklin players pulling down at least one board.
Up Next
Franklin hits the road for their next two games, starting next Wednesday (Nov. 15) with a trip to Louisville, Ky. and a meeting with Spalding. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
