STEUBENVILLE, Ohio - Franciscan University's volleyball team lost the first of their two opening conference matches of the season against the Medaille College Mavericks one game to three. The loss was the first match in a Quad-Match, hosted by FUS. The Lady Barons are now 5-8 on the season and 0-1 in AMCC division play.

After losing game one, the Lady Barons played well in game two. They took advantage of Medaille's miscommunication and shot the ball accurately. The rest of the match, however, they were forced to play from behind. Mental mistakes plagued the Lady Barons attempts to catch up to Mavericks.

“We were our own worst enemy in that match.” Head coach, Kelly Herrmann said. “It was mental errors that kept us from playing well. We can play a lot better. I feel like we beat ourselves.”

Offensively, captain, Anna Cain and sophomore, Amy O'Keefe had seven kills apiece. Lara Holley made everyone else look good as she dished nine assists to her teammates. Defensively, Christina Lawrence had 19 digs, Sam Kelly had 12 digs, and Maria Prezzia added 11 digs of her own.

This weekend is very important for the Lady Barons. Their record against AMCC teams determines their spot in the standings during their post season.  Losing games like these put the Lady Barons in a lower spot in the post season standings.

“We know we missed an opportunity and we have to go back and get it later on today,” Herrmann said.

The Lady Barons face a tougher challenge against Penn State Behrend. This match will come just a few hours after the loss to the Mavericks.

“Behrend is one of the best teams in the conference. It's hard to not play well and come back and play the same day. Behrend is so strong, we'll have to play a very good, all around, game to beat them” Herrmann said. 

The Lady Barons prepare for their game against Penn State Behrend at 4:00pm on September 22. The game be watched live at https://www.boxcast.com/show/lady-baron-s-volleyball-vs-psu-behrand