ALTOONA, Pa. — The Franciscan University of Steubenville's Baron tennis team set the pace for its season Saturday afternoon with an 8-1 win over Penn State Altoona. The 2011 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference champions are now 2-0 overall on the season and 2-0 in the AMCC.

"The guys played really well today," said head coach Jeremy Ellis. "We just had a good week of spring training in Florida and all that practice gave them a lot more confidence on the court today."

Franciscan swept the doubles round. No. 1 team Paul Jarzynka and Brian Robau won their match 8-1, while No. 2 team Leonel Lacayo and Luke Merry won 8-4. John Shultis and Richard Pankus (No. 3) won 8-1.

"Our doubles third team had a really good match today, they played really well together and had great chemistry," said Ellis.

Success continued for the Barons in singles play. No. 1 seed Leonel Lacayo defeated Altoona's Max Averbach 6-1, 6-2; Paul Jarzynka followed with a 6-0, 6-2 win over Adam Kennedy; Brian Robau defeated Kevin Bartkus 6-2, 6-4; Luke Merry earned a 6-1,6-0 victory versus Michael Reinhardt; and John Shultis wrapped up the wins with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Benjamin Heidorn.

"Every match leading up to the AMCC Championship is going to get harder," noted Ellis, "but they are ready for the challenge."

The Barons continue into the season on Tuesday with a nonconference match at Westminster College starting at 4 p.m.