The Muskingum women's basketball team fell in its season opener at Franklin on Saturday evening, 71-50.

Freshman Shelbi VanMeter led the Muskies with 14 points on 5-of-5 shooting. She also hit 4-of-5 free throws and added four rebounds.

Senior Taylor Maurer scored 10 points and had three steals and freshman Olivia Besancon tallied eight points. Junior Angela Darnley rounded out the opening effort with six points and three steals.

Muskingum ended the game shooting .419 (18-of-43) from the field.

Franklin was led by Lauren DeSutter who scored 13 points. Katie Brewer, Riley Achenbach and Nichole Thompson all scored eight points to help lead the the balanced attack.

The Grizzlies shot .423 (22-of-52) from the field and connected on 23-of-28 free throws. Franklin led the entire game.

Franklin opened the game with an 18-4 run through the first 15 minutes of play. The Grizzlies led 26-16 at the break.

In the second frame, Franklin maintained control of the game and led by as many as 23 en route to the win.

Muskingum next plays Trine on Sunday, November 16 at the Franklin Tip-Off Classic. Game time is slated for 3:00 p.m.