CLERMONT, Fla.— Fresh from their annual week of spring training, the Lady Barons head into their season knowing this is only just the beginning. "I feel we will only get better as the season goes on," said head coach Terry Leighty, "and all the girls know what they have to do for us to be competitive."

Which is exactly what should be discovered during a team's spring training, regardless of walking away from the week 0-6. The softball team boasts a young roster—many of them freshmen and sophomores—and most are new to the team. Game one was the first time the majority of the team ever played together.

Falling to New England College on Monday, 10-2, the Lady Barons were down 3-1 in the top of the fifth inning when New England scored seven runs. Alyssa Altieri, Daniella Pillar, and Amanda Ruwart led the Lady Barons in hits with two apiece. Ruwart contributed from the outfield with two assists.

Game two initially looked to hold a brighter outcome. Leading 4-1, the Lady Barons were soon toppled by Macalester College's eight runs in the third inning to eventually take the game, 12-4. Katrina Fabian earned two RBIs for the Lady Barons.

Franciscan walked into Tuesday hopeful and ready to play single games versus the University of Scranton and Fitchburg State. Both games ended in six innings, with Scranton defeating the Lady Barons 12-0, and Fitchburg wrapping up the day with an 18-9 win.

Thursday was the last day of competition for the Lady Barons, taking on Thiel College in a doubleheader. Michelle Volk had the only hit for Franciscan in the 12-0 game one loss. Catherine Durand tried to pull the Lady Barons up with a double and a RBI in game two, but Thiel's powerful offense proved too much. The Lady Barons fell 13-1.

"We thought we would get a few wins," said Leighty, "but despite the 0-6 record, the players played hard in Florida and the scores don't reflect how well the pitchers performed.

"We are a young team playing together for the first time. It will take patience." 

Leighty noted the outstanding performances led by Durand during the week. Leading with a .625 batting average, Rosemary Cassidy followed with a .428, Altieri with .333, and Volk at .308.

"I was extremely happy for these four players," he added. "Their hard work in practices paid off for them. I have to acknowledge Amanda Ruwart, too. She has worked so very hard at her pitching, and she did very well on our trip." 

The Lady Barons host their home opener this Monday, March 19, with a doubleheader versus Oberlin College beginning at 3:30 p.m.