BRADFORD, Pa — Franciscan University's women's basketball team lost their final game of the season to the University of Pitt. Bradford 69-45. FUS finished the year with a record of 4-21 overall and 3-14 in the AMCC.

Despite an early three pointer from sophomore guard Helen Raines, the Panthers outplayed FUS for most of the first half and quickly gained a five-point lead. FUS turned the ball over nine times, allowing the Panthers four fast breaks and a 33-21 advantage at the half.

"Our teams were back and forth early on," head coach Suzy Delaney said. "But our offense became stagnant and the Panthers took a 12-point lead right off the bat."

Down by 12 at the half, Franciscan ran into more trouble when freshman guard Monica Dawyot fouled out early on in the second half. Playing without one of their five starters, FUS scrambled to make up for the loss of a key starter.

Having to move players and positions around without Dawyot, Delaney subbed in freshman forward Sarah Prosser. Playing in reserve Prosser performed, grabbing three rebounds and forcing two steals for Franciscan.

"Sarah's hard work came through in little ways today," Delaney said. "She had smart looks and solid passes that improved our effort."

Along with Prosser, Raines continued to play through an injury, contributing 13 points, four steals, and three rebounds.

"Helen is very courageous," Delaney said. "She never shows on her face that she is injured. She gives each game her all."

Despite solid efforts from the Franciscan women, the Panthers grabbed 42 boards while FUS only pulled down 24. After 13 steals and 69 points, the Panthers beat FUS 69-45, ending Franciscan's season.

"Today was not our best effort, but that bad taste from today's game will propel our off-season plans in continuing to raise the level of our program" Delaney said "The last part of our season, we've played against some of the best programs in our conference and it has given us a chance to see where the bar is set. We are excited about our future."