STEUBENVILLE—Franciscan University's Lady Baron basketball team continued to show improvement during Sunday's first conference game of the season against the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Lady Panthers. Despite losing to the Lady Panthers, 61-36, and facing a now three-game losing streak, the Lady Barons showed growth in their defensive skills. Franciscan now sits 1-5 overall on the season and 0-1 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference.

"Our defense keeps getting better," said head coach Luke Heusel, "and we want our foundation to be as a good defense team."

The Lady Barons finished the first half with Pitt-Bradford holding the lead at 32-18. Franciscan defense barely kept the opposing team from doubling their score in the second half and were unable to generate an offensive spark of their own, scoring only another 18 in the half.

"Offensively, we were cold. Not shooting bad shots, just cold," Heusel remarked. "Some nights are hot, and some are just cold. Our offense will get better the more we play together."

Leading scorers for the Lady Barons were Molly Coogan with nine, Hannah Flanagan with eight, and Christine Conrad tallying 12 on the night. Though this is another loss for the team, Coach Heusel had a positive outlook overall, saying that if the team just "keeps playing good defense, the wins will come."

Coach Heusel also gave the opposing team credit, praising their good game, but also noted that despite the Lady Baron loss, "we'll be ready to go Thursday." Franciscan travels to Mount Aloysius College this Thursday, December 9, with game time beginning at 6 p.m.