Box Score STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – The Franciscan University volleyball
team looked to build momentum at home against conference foe Mt.
Aloysius College on Wednesday night as they prepare for their next
six games on the road. Not only did the young Lady Barons earn a
win against a senior-led squad from Mt. Aloysius, but showcased
their best game of the season, winning 3-0 (25-18, 25-13,
25-14.)
The Lady Barons have leaned on their defense this season, but
found high production from their offense. They played such a
cohesive match that they did not use one timeout on the
night.
"I was most pleased with their focus and consistency throughout
the match," FUS head coach Kelly Herrmann said. "That is important
for our young team. That was our best overall match of the season.
It was an important conference win because Mt. Aloysius is such a
good team."
Offensively, the Lady Barons put up numbers typically seen in a
four or five game match. Senior Anna Cain
dominated the middle of the floor with 11 kills. She iced the match
for her team with four clutch kills in the third and final game. Dani Link
fired the ball in the open court with 10 kills and Christina
Lawrence added six kills of her own. Amy O'Keefe
spread the ball around to rack up 22 assists.
"Anna and Dani controlled the play from the middle of the
floor," Herrmann noted. "Amy really set well and kept the Mount off
balance."
Defensively, the Barons played to the expectations that they
set in the beginning of the season, playing equally strong on the
defensive side of the ball as they did on offense. Sam Kelly led
her team with 16 digs. Lawrence played well on both sides of the
ball with 13 digs of her own. Cain showed her net dominance by
recording four solo blocks in the match.
"Our defense played well and was well anchored by Sam [Kelly]
and [Christina Lawrence]," Herrmann said.
The match was especially memorable for Franciscan's Maria
Prezzia, who was celebrating her birthday. After the match was
complete, the exuberant crowd sang happy birthday to an emotional
Prezzia.
The Lady Barons, now 9-12 overall and 3-2 in conference play,
look to use this winning momentum on the road as they game plan for
Chatham and Grove City College who they will take on in a tri-match
on October 13. The Lady Barons next home game will be their last
one of the regular season on Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. This will be their
Senior Night where they honor seniors Cain and Christina
Bair.
