In several matches last season, the result didn't necessarily match the overall quality of play for Franklin women's soccer.

The run of play in the middle of the field was often relatively even, but the Grizzlies' two biggest weaknesses — finishing offensive chances and preventing opponents from doing the same — tended to make the final score less indicative of that.

Coach Jennifer Jackson is hoping to change that this fall, making a concerted effort to "clean up the boxes" at both ends.

Part of the solution, she hopes, is a change in formation that should allow the team to put some more pressure on opposing defenses.

"We're trying to get some of our attacking-minded players in those attacking areas of the field more often, more touches on the ball," Jackson said. "I think we succeeded at that in the scrimmage; we just have to ... make sure that when there's chances that are coming across, somebody's finding the net, somebody's at least challenging the goalkeeper to make a save."

The Grizzlies do return their leading goal-scorer in senior Lauren Barker, and the hope is that some of the new players on the squad will eventually be able to bolster the attack as well.

"I think we're going to have a little more pace up top in attacking than we have had in the past, which I think is super encouraging," Barker said. "Those connection type pieces, those give-and-gos, those through balls, crossing runs, all that stuff is just going to take more time, but I think as we start to get that down, that'll help us as well."

On the defensive end, Franklin gave up a little more than two goals per match last season — but steps are being taken to try paring that number down a bit, particularly in defending corner kicks and other set pieces. Jackson believes that not conceding as many of those situations in the first place will help.

"We're really happy with our goalkeepers and the way they can use their feet," the coach said, "so can we keep them out of high-traffic, high-challenging situations and play to their strengths?"

Junior Emma Watson returns in goal after making 12 starts last year, and she's got some veteran help in front of her — juniors Courtney Leap, Issy Pridemore and Avery Hamilton and sophomore Alaina Kellerman all played more than 1,000 minutes in 2025. Also back after making multiple starts are Barker, senior Amirah Curry and juniors Amani Kincaid and Shelby Rendes.

That crew will be joined by a freshman class that made quite an impression on Jackson during the Grizzlies' preseason scrimmage against Spalding last week.

"It's super early to say any one is going to be a standout," Jackson said, "but they came in ready to go, came in competing, and I think it showed."

Franklin landed in a tie for seventh in the HCAC's preseason poll, but the consensus belief within the program is that the team can outperform that prognostication.

'"I really feel like we can be higher than that," Jackson said. "Getting back to the conference tournament, competing in the first round and challenging to get to the second round and really compete with that block of four (Mount St. Joseph, Rose-Hulman, Transylvania and Hanover). ... And I think we can."

For the seniors, the 2026 campaign offers an opportunity to help move the Grizzlies in a positive direction while also making the most of the moments they've got left together. 

Curry says this current roster already feels a connection off the field after sharing numerous team bonding experiences in the summer and during preseason camp — and the fact that she lost a season earlier in her collegiate career due to injury has provided more motivation to end on a high note.

"Remembering that I get to be here," Curry said. "I'm choosing to be here, it's a privilege to be here, so every day I give 100%, 110%."

For Barker, who has also missed her share of matches over the last three years, it's about enjoying the time that remains and not dwelling on any of the negatives in the past.

"I just want to soak in this time that I have with these strong friendships, make as many memories as we can and just have fun," she said. "I really just feel like I've had the most success throughout my sports career when I am having fun."

Of course, winning tends to make the experience more enjoyable — and Franklin is hopeful that the promise shown in the preseason will start translating on the scoreboard when the season begins Tuesday evening at Olivet.

"We did have opportunities on goal," Curry said of the Grizzlies' scrimmage effort. "It's just a matter of finishing them."