AUGUSTA, Ga. - Columbus State University senior lefty Julianna Franklin has been named the 2025 Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Pitcher of the Year, the league announced Thursday.

Franklin's senior campaign in the circle has etched herself as the go-to arm for the Lady Cougars, becoming one of the best pitchers in the league and in Division II. In addition to the Pitcher of the Year honors, Franklin was tabbed First-Team All-PBC as well.

A native of Leesburg, Ga., Franklin made 33 appearances with 28 starts this season, compiling a 17-12 record. She led the PBC in earned run average (1.98), innings pitched (194.2), and strikeouts (154), with her strikeout total tying for the league lead. Nationally, she ranks fourth in NCAA Division II in innings pitched.

Franklin's stellar performance this season has also earned her a spot on the NFCA Division II Pitcher of the Year Watchlist. She was also recognized as a PBC Pitcher of the Week once this season.

This accolade marks the fourth time a Columbus State pitcher has received the PBC Pitcher of the Year honor and the first since Hannah Rose Corbin in 2023.

Franklin and the Lady Cougars look toward postseason play this weekend as the sixth seed in the PBC Tournament. CSU will face third-seeded Flagler (Fla.) on Friday in Dahlonega, Ga.