The Franklin Panthers softball team has been locked in a season-long fight for consistency as they chase a winning record. After opening the year with a win over Oliver Ames, Franklin hovered around .500 but never exceeded it. A four-game winning streak, highlighted by a 12–0 shutout of Stoughton and a 6–2 victory over Mansfield, offered hope that the Panthers had found their stride. That promise evaporated with back-to-back defeats. Last Thursday, King Philip Regional handed Franklin a 6–0 loss, stifling the Panthers’ offense. Then on Monday, Franklin faced the undefeated Taunton Tigers (12–0) and fell 6–2. Despite the final score, Franklin showed flashes of competitiveness against the four-time defending D1 champions, keeping the game within reach through the middle innings. Now sitting at 7–9, the Panthers must regroup quickly. Tomorrow at 3:45 PM, they travel to face the Attleboro Bombardiers (12–2), another formidable opponent. For Franklin to break back above .500, they will need to recapture the spark of their midseason run, sharp pitching, timely hitting, and sound defense. Winning on the road against a top-tier team would not only boost morale but also propel Franklin back into playoff contention as the season reaches its crucial stretch.
