STEUBENVILLE—Stepping back on the court Wednesday night just a few days after defeating Hilbert College, the Franciscan University Lady Baron basketball team was ready for another win. But a few slips in defense allowed the Penn State Altoona Lady Lions to take the lead and defeat the Lady Barons 72-62.  

The Lady Barons are now 3-17 overall on the season and 2-13 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference.

"During the first half of the game we really moved the ball better on offense," noted head coach Luke Heusel. The Lady Barons played a close first half, trailing Penn State by only three points as they headed into the locker room.

"But the girls got a little bit too much behind in the second half," Heusel added. The Lady Lions quickly picked up the offensive pace in the half, shooting 33 percent from the three-point line opposed to the Lady Barons missing all seven second half three-point attempts. "The girls had good intensity in the end, but we still need to work on our attack being present all the time."

Senior Marian Weber earned a double-double on the night with 14 rebounds and 12 points. Weber's steady performance has earned her 142 rebounds on the season. Leading in points against Penn State was Hannah Flanagan with 14.

 "It's a growing process," said Coach Heusel. "We've gotten better at some things, but sometimes it's tough. We have to keep working hard."

The Lady Barons travel to Erie, Pa., this Saturday to take on Penn State Behrend. Game time is set for 2 p.m.

General admission prices are $3 per ticket. Students 13-18 and senior citizens are admitted for $1. Children 12 and under, FUS students with ID, and FUS staff and family are admitted for free.