The Franciscan University Lady Barons volleyball season came to an end against the Medaille College Mavericks in the second round of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference playoffs. The Mavericks edged the Lady Barons in a tightly contested four game match (18-25, 25-19, 20-25, 15-25).

The Lady Barons not only went head to head with one of the toughest competitors in the AMCC, but also had to battle internal injuries and illnesses. Senior, Anna Cain played under the weather, and Christina Lawrence injured her ankle, sidelining her for the majority of the third and fourth games.

"You have to be at your best to beat the best," head coach Kelly Herrmann said. "Our amazing season had to end sometime, we're just sad it had to be today. Anna Cain played as hard as she could and so did Maria (Prezzia)"

Franciscan end their 2012 season with many individual and team milestones. The team won its first playoff match in their history, doing so with eight freshman and only three returning players. This was also the first time a playoff game was won at Finnegan Field House. The Lady Barons achieved a season high eight AMCC victories and finished third overall in their conference for the first time. Individually, Anna Cain surpassed the 1,000 kill mark in her career and Amy O'Keefe recorded over 1,000 assists for her career.

The Baron's final game of the season ended with Dani Link and Prezzia recording eleven kills each. Amy O'Keefe helped distribute the ball, recording 24 assists for herself. Defensively, Sam Kelly had 26 digs and Prezzia had 15 digs. Captain, Anna Cain, capped her final game of her career with five kills and two digs.

"Our stats literally increased in every category. We need to keep our heads up and prepare for a strong season next year," Herrmann said. "I told the girls to come back next season in shape and to work hard in the off season. Our goal next year is already to win the AMCC"

Coach also commented on her team's future without Anna Cain.

"It's going to be really hard to replace such an amazing woman," Herrmann said. "But I know we can achieve our goals with our team. She will be dearly missed."

The Lady Barons will begin off season training immediately to prepare for their four week spring season where they will invite AMCC teams to scrimmage on March 18 of next year.

"This part of the season is crucial to our end game," Herrmann said. "We will use these four weeks to recondition and reconnect with each other."

The Lady Barons take pride in their season and look to spring board their young team even farther forward next year to win the AMCC.