Despite hot conditions that produced lethargic, hard-to-catch fish, Franklin College bass fishing had a respectable showing in its first two competitions of the fall at Kentucky Lake in Tennessee.

The Grizzlies trotted out two boats for the season-opening Big Bass Bash, a massive two-day event featuring 680 anglers and seven weigh-ins. Jakob Dreher landed in 292nd place for Franklin with a 2.52-pound bass, while teammate Carson Volz hooked a 2.32-pounder to finish 312th.

Franklin then had a practice day on Monday prior to the MLF Columbia PFG College Series event that was contested Tuesday — but the Grizzlies' practice was cut short.

"They had to spin a prop and purchase a new one to ensure they could fish the next day," Griz coach JT Volz said.

Despite that obstacle, the Grizzlies again held their own. With a five-fish limit, the team of Drew Kristoff and Caden Paris caught three fish for a total of 4.9 pounds to finish 124th in the 233-boat field. Dreher and Volz were close behind in 130th, totaling 4.5 pounds on two fish.

Overall, the Grizzlies came out of the extended weekend sitting 60th nationally in the School of the Year points standings.

"It's a great way to kick off the season," JT Volz said.

The Grizzlies will travel to Arkansas next month for the AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open, which will be contested Oct. 10-11 on Lake Dardanelle.