STEUBENVILLE, Ohio—Franciscan University's women's basketball team battled against the Mount Aloysius Lady Mounties as they dropped their seventh straight, 71-54.

The Mounties shot 50% from the field in the game, while the FUS defense struggled to prevent their opponents from creating scoring chances.

“Aloysius was shooting lights out in the first half,” head coach Suzy Delaney said. “Our girls were just a small step behind them.”

The Barons came out scoring in the second half and outscored the Lady Mounties 35-34 after halftime. Freshman Monica Dawyot stepped up to score 10 points on the night.

“Monica has become a real leader for our team,” Delaney said. “That is very exciting for our team as a whole and for our program.”

Sophomores Lacey Huck and Helen Raines were big contributors for the Lady Barons, as Huck had 15 points and 9 rebounds on the night and Raines scored 12 points over her 37 minutes of playing time.

“Helen has always been a mainstay on our defense,” Delaney said. “But we made adjustments in the second half that we need to be making a lot sooner. The past few games have been a struggle with our offense and nailing the open shots.”

Although the offense did not match the Mounts shooting percentage, FUS was still able to get a lot of shots off despite heavy defense.

“We have to continue to be confident in ourselves, and in each other,” Delaney said. “Then the shots will start falling.”

Franciscan plays Penn State-Altoona and look to sweep the season series with the Lady Lions on Thursday Jan. 17 in Altoona at 6 p.m.