STEUBENVILLE, Ohio—After a slow start and few shots from both teams, the Lady Baron soccer team managed to secure a 2-0 win against conference opponent Hilbert College. Franciscan's momentum built in the second half and helped to fuel both goals. Their overall season record is now 8-5 and they are 2-2 in conference play.

"It was definitely a mental game because most teams we play use a different formation so that threw them off a little bit because that changes their roles and responsibilities just slightly," head coach Clare McBane said.

During he first half of the game, play stayed in the midfield, with both teams struggling to make any significant attacks on goal.

"We discussed it half time and they really picked it up when they went back in and adjusted to those small changes," McBane said.

With a new focus and sense of direction, the team worked on setting up and taking shots. The first goal of the game came early in the second half after Striker Jordan Byrley was given a free run along the right side. As she headed toward the goal, she drew the goalie out of the net and Byrley sent it past her, straight into the back of net.

The second and final goal of the game came about 10 minutes later when junior captain Julia Cocozza distributed the ball from midfield to Byrley who then passed the ball to Hannah Cooke who finished it out right in front of the net.

"I thought across the board our offense played really well especially in the second half when we were getting a lot of looks on goal," McBane said.

Aside from the goals and more momentum another change in the second half was an influx of more substitute players from the Franciscan bench. Included in those subs were Cocozza, Susanna Almeida and Michele Volk. This game was only Coccozza's second game back after being out with an injury.

"We're still just putting her in for small periods of time to help get her endurance back and keep her in the game," McBane said. "It's incredible to have a sub with her talent."

Almeida also subbed in as a midfielder and made a difference on the field. Only ad freshman, Almeida normally plays as a forward but was moved to the wing today for the first time, managing to make some game changing plays with her speed; reaching both ends of the field on the line.

"Susanna played fantastically and really showed up to play today," McBane said. "Honestly today was an exciting game because we put those subs in mainly for fresh feet and for their parents sake but it was exciting to see those girls playing those positions."

On the defensive end, goalkeeper Mallory Garthwaite continued to lead the team with her vocals and unique style of coming out of the goal to protect the team. There were many shots that kept her on her toes, but rounded out the game with six saves.

"There is no denying that Hilbert had some excellent looks at our goal and one of them Mallory just tipped it and it bounced off the cross bar and could have been a game changer without her skill," McBane said.

The team honored their only senior, Katie Roemer, at today's game with giving her the gift of a win. Roemer is a usual powerhouse on the field but due to an injury she was unable to play in the game.

The Lady Barons continue their season when they play conference opponent La Roche College on Oct. 15 at 4p.m.