STEUBENVILLE—It was a much awaited win for Franciscan University's Lady Baron basketball team as they clinched a 55-35 victory over the Hilbert College Hawks Saturday afternoon. The win marks an end to an eight game losing streak for the Lady Barons and a continued shutout for the Hawks in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference.

The Lady Barons are now 3-16 overall and 2-12 in the AMCC. The Hawks are 0-13 in the conference.

"It was great to get a victory," said head coach Luke Heusel. The Lady Barons last win was also against Hilbert at the beginning of January. "We did a good job on the defensive end, especially in the second half. The girls did a good job of handling the other team making some shots," Heusel added.

Leading the game in scoring was freshman Hannah Flanagan with 17, who also added three assists and one steal on the day. Junior guard Christine Conrad tallied eight rebounds and 14 points while Molly Coogan followed close behind with 10 points, two assists, two steals, and three rebounds.

Franciscan held strong at the free-throw line, shooting 83 percent to Hilbert's 50. The Lady Barons also improved in second chance points, something they've lacked in the past. Senior Marian Weber gathered 14 rebounds on the night, splitting them evenly between the offense and defensive ends.

"I'm pleased with the win," said Coach Heusel. "And we will continue to concentrate on improving how we handle the ball."

The Lady Barons will get the opportunity this Wednesday, February 9, as they host Penn State Altoona. Game time is set for 6 p.m.