STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Franciscan University fans sat on edge watching the first half of Saturday's basketball game at the Finnegan Fieldhouse. It looked as if the Lady Barons would earn their second win of the season over the Hilbert College Hawks. But the scoring became an uneasy back-and-forth showdown, leading to a 67-54 win for the Hawks, their first win of the season.

"Hilbert is definitely a team I thought we matched up well with," said head coach Luke Heusel. "What really hurt was that they made some big shots right when they really needed them."

A three-point shot by Hilbert's Jenah Labuski with 30 seconds left in the first half was a shot of confidence for the team.  Labuski added a second half three-pointer a minute after fellow Hawk Kateland Ball tallied a three-point shot to push Hilbert ahead, 53-48.

"We let them get momentum on us and then we just couldn't hit a bucket when we needed to," noted Heusel.

Franciscan also faced the loss of the starting point guard and team captain, senior Christine Conrad, just minutes into the game due to an injury. Sophomore Hannah Flanagan was moved to point guard for the remainder of the game.

Heusel made a point to mention progress he's seen within his team.

"Kristen Belleque played well the whole game," he noted. "Along with Louise Craig. Lacey Huck also had nice plays in the second half, gaining us some points. Allyson Cooney also played well. Coming off the bench, she really gets in there, takes charge, and gives good minutes on the floor."

Leading the Lady Barons in points was Huck with 16, followed by Flanagan with 13. Amy O'Keefe and Belleque led the team in rebounds, 11 and nine, respectively.

Despite another loss in Franciscan's four game losing streak, Coach Heusel and the team are hopeful for a win at tomorrow's home game versus D'Youville College.

"We play again tomorrow," added Heusel, "and I encourage the girls to remain determined that they can earn a win."

Game time is set for 3 p.m. at the Finnegan Fieldhouse.