FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Defiance College women's basketball team dropped its Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference opener to nationally-ranked Franklin College, 74-60, on Wednesday. Junior Kim Comden led the Jackets with 18 points and eight rebounds.

Defiance, playing its second nationally-ranked opponent in as many days, opened even with the Grizzlies for the first 3:44 of the game. Franklin opened up a 16-point advantage with an 18-2 run over the next eight minutes. The Purple and Gold finished the half strong, going into the break with the score, 37-23 in favor of Franklin.

The second half proved to be a battle for the HCAC rivals. The two teams each scored 37 points in the second frame of play. The Lady Jackets held Franklin to 39.4% shooting in the second half.

Comden scored her 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the floor, and was a perfect four-for-four from the charity stripe. Senior Brooke Zachrich added nine points, five rebounds and two assists, while sophomore Erica King dropped nine points and grabbed three boards.

With the loss, the Lady Jackets fall to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in conference action. Franklin, who was paced by Sarah Condra's 18 points, improves to 6-0 and 1-0 in league play.

Defiance will return to the court on Saturday, December 3 at home against Rose-Hulman. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm in the Karl H. Weaner Center.