Franklin women's basketball got tested repeatedly by Marietta on Saturday night. Every single time, the Grizzlies passed.

Molly Schulte scored 19 points and Franklin got numerous clutch contributions down the stretch to preserve a 73-67 victory in their opening game at the Sara Lee Classic at Denison.

"There were definitely ups and downs in this game," Griz coach Ashley Blanch said, "but our transition and ball handling really helped us keep the lead the whole game. We were able to force Marietta into their average of 21 turnovers, which was a focus of ours, and then convert on those opportunities."

The Grizzlies (2-1) led by seven at halftime and went up by eight, 61-53, on a 3-pointer by Kate Breeden with 5:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. Marietta crept back to within a point, 66-65, with a minute and a half to go, but Breeden fed Briley Munchel for a critical 3-pointer with just 28 seconds remaining to make it a four-point game.

The Pioneers scored quickly to get back within two and got the ball back with a chance to tie or take the lead, but on back-to-back possessions their missed shots were rebounded by Erica Buening, who made four free throws in the final five seconds to seal the victory.

Munchel finished with 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals for the Griz. Buening added 11 points and six rebounds off the bench, Breeden and Payton Seay scored eight points each and Jordan Coon chipped in seven.

Franklin didn't have much time to savor the win, with a 3 p.m. Sunday game against the host Big Red, but Blanch is letting her team enjoy it for at least a little while.

"We are celebrating this win tonight," she said, "and will be getting ready for a fight tomorrow."