STEUBENVILLE – The Franciscan University of Steubenville Lady Barons basketball team hosted the Christendom College Crusaders this Saturday, taking an impressive 70-19 Senior Night victory. The Lady Barons finished the season with an overall record of 4-21 and 3-17 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference.

The Lady Barons wasted no time in taking control of the game, quickly tallying an opening 38-0 lead and shutting out even shot attempts for Christendom for the first five minutes of the game.

“I told the girl to go out and play and show everyone how hard we've worked and how far we've come,” noted Lady Barons Head Coach Kelly Herrmann. “We did that today. We accomplished what we wanted to accomplish. This is the best team we've ever had, regardless of season. I'm looking forward to next year, great things lie ahead.”

Senior Cara Mitchell led the Lady Barons with 19 points, nine rebounds, and six steals. Senior Jess Belleque, playing in her first game of 2010 after suffering two stress fractures, registered eight points and an assist in her final game. Marian Weber, Jessi Darmelio, and Jen Winkle each had eight points for the Lady Barons. Caitlin Donovan also had a notable game with four points, eight rebounds, six assists, and five steals.

“I'm so grateful,” remarked Belleque. “I found out one hour before the game that I'd be able to play tonight. It was great to spend one last game with the girls, especially my sister [Forward Kristin Belleque].”

After the game a brief ceremony was held to honor Cara Mitchell and Jess Belleque, the team's two seniors. Each was given a personalized basketball with their teammates' signatures and a “Lady Baron Alumni” sweatshirt. Coach Herrmann spoke to each before the crowded Finnegan Fieldhouse.

“Jess wasn't able to play for us much this season, but she was huge support for the team. We're really going to miss having her on the team,” said Herrmann.

Turning her attention to Mitchell, Herrmann continued: “Cara's always been a consistent player for us. We play in a tough conference, and haven't won very many games this year. However, Cara still manages to score, 12, 15, or 18 points. I thank her for stepping up and taking the challenge, and playing with grace and dignity. She holds the all-time record in scoring, scoring average, field goals made, free throws made, 3-pointers made, and she's also first in games played and games started.”

The game was also the last for Herrmann, who is retiring from basketball after this season. Athletic Director Christopher Ledyard took a moment to speak before the fans, thanking Herrmann for her dedicated time as head coach and as “a mentor, mother and incredible leader to these girls for over eight these years.”

“This was bittersweet,” Mitchell noted. “We played hard tonight, and I'm going to miss it a lot.”