LEXINGTON, Ky. - Franklin downed Earlham to advance to the Conference Sem-Finals of the 2025 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Tournament on Friday, defeating the Quakers 5-4 at John and Donna Hall Field.

The Grizzlies got the bats going with Eriana Wagner singling to the pitcher to advance Zoe Kugelman through home. Olivia Staigil smacked a double to center field, allowing Wagner to score. After just getting on base, Staigil would find home with McKenna Lucas singling to left field. Franklin would come out the first inning up 3-0.

FC would remain scoreless until the fifth inning where Ruth Kaiser tripled to right field, advancing Staigil through home. Lucas got to first off a throwing error by the catcher, providing a scoring opportunity for Kaiser. The Pioneers tried to get back, but came up one run short in the final inning.

Staigil and Wallace both led the team in hits, securing three apiece. Molly would add an additional two RBIs to her stats while Olivia added two runs.

Kugelman (9-6) got the start and win on the day, pitching five innings. During her run, she allowed six hits, four runs, and striking out one batter. Kamzi Gross would step in to pitch one inning, allowing one hit. Lauren Dunacan would finish things for the Grizzlies, striking out the last two batters to end the game. 

Up Next
Franklin will face off against second seeded MSJ tomorrow, May 10 at 12:30 pm.