A historic victory was brought back to Steubenville by Franciscan University's Lady Barons this week, after the team traveled to Clermont, Fla., for a six-game week of spring training.
"We've gotten better," said first year head coach Terry Leighty. "I'm very impressed. We've improved a lot since fall ball and since our return from Christmas break. This week helped us a tremendous amount."
The first game was a challenge for the Lady Barons as they faced an 8-1 team in Macalester College. Despite it being the first game, Franciscan held its own in a 5-1 loss. Leighty praised the pitching of Lara Plumlee for not allowing a single earned run in the contest. The Lady Baron totaled six hits on the day, but were unable to capitalize to generate more runs.
"That was one of the top games we played during training," said Leighty of the loss. "We were going up against a team that had already played nine games and this was our first time on a field all season. I think we did really well."
The second game against Fitchburg State College started out on the wrong foot for the Lady Barons. Starting pitcher Brianna Antrim struggled in the first. Plumlee came in to replace her after the Lady Falcons scored six runs. Franciscan was able to settle down after the first inning and continued to hit the ball, but still lost 11-2.
Franciscan faced off against Lawrence College and went cold offensively in a 14-1 loss. The Lady Barons were only able to get three hits off of Lawrence pitcher Emily Pevish. Plumlee contributed with one hit of her own while continuing her steady performance on the mound for Franciscan.
The Lady Barons rallied to capture their first victory of the season against Philadelphia Biblical College in historic fashion. The 13-3 win was the most runs ever scored by a Franciscan softball team.
"That was a terrific game," said Leighty. "It started out close but we were able to blow it open in the fourth inning. Our offense was great and we got 15 hits on the day. The difference was the girls came in with the mindset that they could win, and we did."
Erin Gulick was the star at the plate, going 3-4 with three runs batted in. Plumlee went the distance again, giving up only three earned runs. She also contributed offensively going 2-5. Antrim, Amanda Ruwart, and Emily Whiteside each registered multiple hits on the day.
Franciscan squared off against perennial Div. III powerhouse Keene State College next, falling to the Red Hawks 15-0. The Lady Barons defense struggled, surrendering seven of the 15 runs off of errors.
The last game was against Babson College. Francsican was held to just two hits in the 11-0 loss.
"I scheduled these games because I wanted our girls to see really good Division III teams," said Leighty. "I think we can be at that level in a few years. We're building up right now.
"This was a great trip for us. I'm very pleased and excited. Our girls are excited too. It's going to be a good season."
The Lady Barons host St. Vincent's College in the home opener at 3 p.m. this Thursday at the brand new softball facilities on the campus of Franciscan University.
