Panther women’s basketball is 1-0 in the Mountain Seven Conference.
On Friday, Dec. 13, the team traveled to East Henderson for their first conference game. With a 60-51 win over the Eagles, Franklin tipped off their M7 schedule on the right foot.
The Panthers came out firing to start the game, taking a 9-1 lead behind four points from Katelyn Foster and a 3-pointer from McKenna Plemmons. East regrouped quickly however, ending the first quarter up 13-11 despite four points and a steal from Bristol Brooks.
Both teams stayed neck-and-neck into the second, with Franklin up 20-19 after two points and a block from Payton Baty. Brooks racked up 12 points and one assist to give Franklin a 33-30 halftime lead.
Brooks kept harassing East to start the third, adding two 3-pointers and tough defense including a steal. Franklin ended the period up 44-39.
Plemmons turned red-hot in the final quarter, sinking back-to-back 3-pointers to take a 51-41 lead. Brooks added six points and two assists to cement a 60-51 win.
After dispatching East, Franklin geared up for a busy stretch, playing their first of four games in six days at Tuscola Dec. 17. There they’ll try to earn their second conference win versus the 1-4 Mountaineers. The Press will report on that game’s result in next week’s edition.