The Franciscan University Lady Barons kept up their strong play, trouncing the Penn State Altoona Lady Lions, three games to zero (25-17, 25-16, 25-14). The Lady Barons have won four out of their last five matches and four straight conference matches.

The Lady Barons have been productive over their last five games. They have won four out of five matches, and have notched 12 out of 16 match victories.

"You want your team to peek at the right time of the season," head coach Kelly Herrmann said. "Early in the season you have to be willing to try different things and challenge the girls in different ways. It's a marathon, not a sprint."

As the marathon starts to come to an end, Herrmann's long term approach continues to pay off. The Lady Barons swamped the Lions with a strong passing attack that made their offense effective and efficient. FUS also played a tight defensive match, limiting the Lions to no more than 17 points in every game. Herrmann was particularly happy with her team's ability to close their games.

"You can't expect them to roll over," Hermann said she told her team after the second match. "Our team was ready. That mentality in the third match is the same you need for the whole season."

The Lady Barons season has been highlighted by their stout defense. That was no different against the Lions; Sam Kelly had 19 digs, Maria Prezzia had 11 digs, and Christina Lawrence had 10 digs.

The Lady Barons also showed quality ball movement to set up their offensive juggernauts such as Anna Cain and Dani Link. Cain had 14 kills and Link recorded 12. Link also showcased her serving, totaling seven aces in the match.

Herrmann talked about her team's mentality going into the final stretch of the season.

"You have to keep moving forward. Now we're playing well and have a lot of little things ironed out. Everyone feels confident and we are playing well between our setters and hitters," Herrmann said. "Everybody on the court are good women and they work hard. There is a lot to be said about the selflessness of this team."

The Lady Barons are now 11-13 on the season and now sit with a 4-2 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference record after their latest victory. They look to continue their momentum as they travel to Buffalo this weekend to play in a tri match against D'Youville College and SUNY Canton University on October 20.