STEUBENVILLE, Ohio–Franciscan University Lady Barons dominated a home non-conference match against Chatham University, sweeping 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-5).

The Lady Barons played strong from the start, playing against a struggling team plagued with injuries. FUS was able to get all of their players out on the court to hone their skill for upcoming conference competition.

"I was happy with how they played," head coach Kelly Herrmann said. "Our non-conference matches that are in between conference play are used to help us play sharp. We talk about improving every day because ultimately, to win our conference championship, we have a lot of things to clean up."

Many improvements were apparent on the court throughout the three matches played. The Lady Barons served a remarkable 17 aces, showing their strong offensive play. Six were by sophomore Christina Lawrence, four by freshman Mary Moore and three by freshman Rachel Potoba.

Junior captain Amy O'Keefe stood out on the court with both her leadership and 21 assists.

"Amy did a good job directing the offense," Herrmann said. "She has always been a good setter for our team. She has started every match she has played in since her freshman year. She has the weight of being the ultimate leader and she is a real key to our team."

Other key players included sophomores Dani Link and Samantha Kelly. Link led the team with 11 digs and nine kills throughout the night, and Kelly followed with eight digs. These improving statistics are representative of the overall team's level of play getting stronger and stronger.

"We are getting more aggressive offensively and we are making improvements where we need to make improvements," Herrmann said. "We are cleaning our errors which is absolutely key."

Once it was apparent that improvements were being made and the Lady Barons were playing cleanly and confidently, every player on the team was able to get out on the court during the matches. FUS being able to sub in so regularly is a testament to the depth and strength of their roster.

"It was great that everyone got to play," Herrmann said. "One thing in the match tonight was that when our subs came off the bench, there was no let down. We have capable players. All thirteen of them are doing a great job and doing their part to help our team get better."

Herrmann seeks to continue keeping the whole team prepared for play both physically and mentally. The upcoming conference competition will be challenging and Franciscan plans to keep their momentum strong and ready for the rest of the season. The Lady Barons will play next at an away game on October 16 at Mt. Aloysius College at 7 pm.

"We know that every single conference match will be a tough match and we have to take them one at a time. We have to play good volleyball. We have to be mentally and physically prepared."