The Franciscan University Lady Barons ended their regular season with a win in front of parents and fans against the Hilbert College Lady Hawks. With this final regular season win, the Lady Barons finished their season 14-14 and 7-2 in conference. The Lady Barons finished their season with momentum heading onto the postseason, winning seven victories over their last ten matches.

Franciscan rolled over Hilbert College in three games (25-16, 25-21, 25-11). Their defense was as tight, as it has been all season, and their offense flowed easily as FUS's outside hitters set their middle hitters up for efficient scoring. The Lady Barons stayed strong with the Lady Hawks the whole match, including coming from behind 1-6 in the second game to record a victory 25-21.

Sophomore Amy O'Keefe recorded her 1,000 career assist, including 17 against the Lady Hawks. Sam Kelly and Christina Marie Lawrence helped establish their team's defense and finish the season with the fouth most digs per set in Division III volleyball on the season.

This huge accomplishment for the Lady Barons, is not only their first time cracking the top ten in this tough category, but is also thier first time in the top 100. Kelly had nine digs against the Lady Hawks, and Lawrence collected six digs of her own.

As exciting as the match was for the red hot Lady Barons, the day was especially emotional for their two seniors, Christina Bair and captain Anna Cain.

Bair, a first year player with the team, has added leadership and skill despite her inexperience.

"She had gone on a mission trip last year with our assistant coach," said head coach, Kelly Herrmann. "After watching her on her intramural volleyball team, I saw that she was a competent player. We needed leadership."

Bair has been a strong leader for her team. Not only has she performed when called on, but she also played efficiently even when she hasn't played regular minutes.

"She is a leader, selfless and an amazing person," Herrmann said. "She has been a huge part of our success."

Senior Anna Cain finished her regular season as the Lady Baron's captain and four-year starter for Franciscan. Over her career, Cain has set the record most kills in Franciscan history with 993 and is on pace to crack the 1,000 kill mark over her career in the post season next week. She is the first all time in solo blocks and holds the record for most matches played in FUS history.

"She is a wonderful, faithful, and grounded woman," Herrmann said. "I've coached so many great women in all my years, and Anna would be right at the top. No matter what kind of day she is having, she has always acted tremendously. It is going to be tough to replace her."

Cain has balanced power and consistency over the course of her career. With 993 kills, she leads the AMCC and she has 2.69 kills per set. She has played in 363 sets in her career; second in the AMCC.

Cain had 15 kills against the Lady Hawks along with two assists and six digs.

The Lady Barons look to take their momentum into the AMCC playoffs as the third seed on Wednesday Oct 31 at home. They will battle the sixth seed which is yet to be determined.