Franco helped West Alabama to a 2-0 record in the first week of the season, as the Tigers registered wins over Division I Alabama State and No. 7 Columbus State. The graduate rattled off a pair wins at No. 1 singles as she faced Bama State's Lizaveta Dzemchanka (7-5, 6-2) and Columbus State's Laura Pesickova (6-0, 6-2). Franco also picked up a doubles victory at No. 1 alongside partner Ming Deewajee against CSU (6-2), while the duo fell to ASU's top doubles pairing (7-6).