STEUBENVILLE- It was a defensive struggle for the Franciscan University of Steubenville's softball team Saturday afternoon as the Lady Barons took on the Panthers of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on Saturday afternoon, losing 13-0 and 8-0.

"We are young," said head coach Terry Leighty. "We need to improve defensively. But we're learning and the girls are keeping their heads up. They never stop trying."

In game one Franciscan faced overpowering pitching, leaving the Lady Barons unable to generate any offense. Danni Pillar got the only hit for the Lady Barons, a double in the second. Brianna Atrium pitched the complete game, giving up 12 earned runs off of 11 hits.

The second game showed some improvement for the Lady Barons. Pitcher Lara Plumlee gave up only four earned runs, but the defense couldn't support her, struggling with four errors that allowed for four more runs. Erin Gulick provided the only hit with a single in the fourth.

Tomorrow the Lady Barons (1-17 AMCC, 0-9) travel to Hamburg, N.Y., to face the Lady Hawks of Hilbert College in more doubleheader action. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.