By KEN HAMWEY, 

Staff Sports Writer

The Franklin High girls’ lacrosse team ended its season with a 10-9 loss to Westwood in the state tourney semifinals, but the Panthers’ disappointment shouldn’t dampen what they achieved during a productive 2023 campaign.

FHS finished with a 20-4 record, went 17-3 in the regular season and was 11-0 in the Hockomock League. 

“I’m so proud of the team for making it to the Final Four,’’ said coach Kristen Garino. “Facing a perennial power like Westwood is always a challenge, and it takes nearly a perfect game to win. We didn’t execute enough to win, but I am still so proud of how the girls never gave up.” 

Garino, who’s been Franklin’s coach for the last 10 years, lauded the play of Katie Peterson (senior captain/midifield) who was named USA Lacrosse All-American and Academic All-American; Kaitlyn Carney (senior attack) who was named a USA Lacrosse All-American; Jamie Tanner (senior captain/midifield); and Payten Crandall (senior defender).