On the strength of another impressive defensive performance, the Franklin College women’s basketball beat visiting Defiance 70-34 on Saturday.
Franklin (4-1, 1-0 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference) is on a four-game winning streak and largely has its defense to thank. Saturday’s performance in the HCAC-opener was the latest example.
The Grizzlies darted to a 20-6 lead at the end of the first quarter and were up 40-17 at halftime.
Franklin shot 45.7 percent from the floor in the first half and limited the Yellow Jackets to 21.4 percent shooting.
For the game, the Grizzlies limited Defiance to 21.2 percent shooting.
Franklin’s post players, senior Katie Brewer and junior Emily Alfrey, took away Defiance’s two main scoring threats — Kelsey Tietje and Sam Ervin, who were limited to a combined eight points.
On the offensive end, Brewer had a double-double with a game-high 22 points, hitting 9 of 13 from field. She also had 10 rebounds.
“We knew coming in that Defiance would be a tough task to handle and we really showed what our true potential is this season,” Brewer said. “Coach is always preaching defense, defense, defense. That’s the name of our game this year.
“That’s what we needed in order to get our offense flowing too. We got everybody on the floor today. It was a very good day.”
Junior guard Lauren DeSutter got hot in the second half and finished with 15 points on 7 of 11 shooting for the Grizzlies. And junior Kayle Comer added 10 points in the winning effort.
Junior center Amber May pulled down 10 rebounds and added five points off the bench.
Franklin shot 42.9 percent from the floor and enjoyed a 49-34 rebounding advantage, including 16 offensive boards.
The Grizzlies (4-1, 1-0) host HCAC rival Rose-Hulman on Wednesday.
