CLERMONT, Fla. – The Franciscan University Lady Baron softball team ended its third doubleheader of their spring training trip with two losses. Franciscan lost 12-1 to Cornell College and 21-3 in its second game to Monmouth College.

"We know what to do to get better, and at this point it is all mental," FUS head coach Jen Parker said. "Everyone is still trying to get in sync. They have the skills and ability."

The morning game against Cornell started out slow for Franciscan, and by the time they came together for a couple strong innings, it was too late to stage a comeback. Parker noted senior captain Amanda Ruwart's impressive catch she made during the five-inning loss.

The second game saw improvement with more successful innings in the front end of the game, but the Lady Barons were unable to take the lead and get the win.

"RoseMary Cassidy had a great triple against Monmouth," Parker said. "She was up first but we were able to bring in three runs in that third inning."

The Lady Barons also had some effective fielding, with sophomore shortstop Becca Peters making a nice backhanded grab for an out at first base.

With their first week playing outdoors coming to a close on Friday, Parker can already see that these tough games now will benefit her team when they return from Florida, having already had so much more time playing outside.

"The team is really coming together as a team off the field, which will be great for us," Parker said. "It will really work in our favor once we are at home."

Franciscan University's softball team will end their spring training tour in Florida on Friday with a 1 p.m. game against St. Lawrence University and a 3 p.m. game against Thomas (ME).