CARMEL, Ind. - The Franklin women's lacrosse team earned their highest pre-season ranking in program history on Wednesday (Feb. 1), when they placed third in the Heartland Collegiate HCLC Conference (HCLC) pre-season coaches poll.

The Grizzlies finished third in the league a year ago and earned their second straight berth in the HCLC tournament, the first time in program history Franklin secured back-to-back post-season berths. Franklin collected 26 points in the ranking, slotting them just behind second place Hanover and ahead of Anderson in the ratings. In addition, Franklin had five members of the team selected to the league's list of Players to Watch in seniors Anya Glodowski, Victoria Simmons, Lora Adkins and Chyna Jackson as well as junior Mia Turnbaugh. 

Simmons earned First Team All-HCLC last season and set the program's single season and career assist records during her junior year. The Carmel, Ind.-native had 21 goals and 26 assists for 47 points and is Franklin's top returning scorer heading into 2023. 

Adkins and Turnbaugh were both named Second Team All-HCLC a year ago and will be back to roam the midfield for the Grizzlies this season. Adkins had nine goals and an assist in nine games last year while grabbing 24 ground balls and forcing 17 turnovers. Turnbaugh started all 13 games in the midfield, scoring 17 goals and handing out eight assists for 25 points to go along with 25 ground balls and 12 turnovers caused. 

Glodowski made 10 appearances in the attack, putting up 13 goals and 22 assists in what was a potent Franklin offensive charge. Jackson started all 13 games on defense for the Grizzlies, tying for the team lead with 31 ground balls collected and leading the team with 19 turnovers caused. 

Franklin begins the season on Saturday, Mar. 4 when they host Concordia Wisconsin to open the year.