STEUBENVILLE, Ohio—In their first game back from winter break on Jan. 4, the Franciscan University Lady Barons were handed a devastating defeat by the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. When the Lady Bobcats of Greensburg traveled to Franciscan University for the teams' rematch, it was a much different game. 

The score was tied in the final minutes, but key free throws down the stretch from Greensburg ultimately sealed it as the Lady Bobcats were victorious once again, 51-44.

"Overall, our defense was pretty good," Franciscan head coach Luke Heusel said. "We have been responding to a call to put more defensive pressure on other teams."

One particular defensive assignment for the Lady Barons was shutting down the fourth ranked scorer in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, Casey Stanton. Lady Baron Lacey Huck stepped up to the challenge and held Stanton to five points and two rebounds under her season average of 14.7 and 11, respectively.

"The defense of Lacey Huck was outstanding," Heusel noted.

Leading the way offensively for the Lady Barons were captain Christine Conrad and the freshman duo of Amy O'Keefe and Huck. Conrad had a team-high 12 points, and six rebounds, while O'Keefe and Huck had 10 and nine points, respectively, and six rebounds each.

"Christine had a look in her eye starting in the middle of the first half, and I thought that she really led the team. They look to her [to be a leader] and I thought her leadership was very impressive in this game."

Free throws and turnovers were what really hurt the Lady Barons, according to Heusel. His team shot 16-30 from the foul line and committed 28 turnovers.

"I'm really proud of their effort tonight," Heusel added. "They worked so hard. We're ready to go to Buffalo on Saturday."

The Lady Barons will look to notch their first win in 12 games when they travel to Hilbert College on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.