GREENSBURG, Pa. – Lady Baron volleyball defeated conference rival Pitt - Greensburg for the second time this season defeating the Panthers 3-1. FUS took control of the match by playing up tempo and dismantling the Panthers after losing their first game 21-25.

The Lady Barons took the loss in stride and rallied to beat the Panthers 25-14, 25-18, 25-17 in the next three games. Head Coach Kelly Herrmann said she enjoyed seeing her team's depth and talent earn them a victory over a potentially dangerous Panthers squad with nothing to lose sitting at 1-12.

"In our conference, there are no easy teams," Kelly Herrmann said. "We have to play strong and if you don't take control they will hit at you and potentially surprise you."

Consistency has been a focal point for the young Lady Barons squad and after the first game FUS demonstrated how dangerous they can be when they control the tempo of the match. Consistent play has been a struggle at times for an FUS team comprised mostly of freshman and returning sophomores but the team's depth and focus helped seal the victory against the Panthers.

Junior right side hitter Jackie Zucco and freshman outside hitter Mary Moore came off the bench to help relieve the Franciscan starters and made the most out of their time in their team's victorious effort.

"There is a certain energy from our players off the bench. They are fired up and they want to make the best of their chances," Herrmann said. "The starters want to see them do well and it brings a great energy to the match."

The Lady Baron defense was led by sophomore libero Sam Kelly who displayed impressive defensive prowess against the Panthers. Kelly's defense and ability to setup her teammates offensively was a crucial part of the team's success.

"Sam is so aggressive and sets the tempo for our team," Herrmann said. "Pitt dug the ball a lot and she was able to turn those plays into points for us."

FUS is now 2-1 in conference play and will focus on their next match against the University of Pitt - Bradford on Oct. 5 at 2 pm. The match falls on Franciscan University's homecoming and on the team's annual Dig Pink fundraiser breast cancer research and awareness.