STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Franciscan University of Steubenville's men's lacrosse team finished their inaugural with a tightly contested loss to Bethany College 12-10 on senior day. Despite the tight score throughout the entire game, the Barons struggled to keep up in the fourth quarter with a few unlucky shots and defensive slip ups.

"This was by far the best game we have played all season," head coach Pete Rosaschi said despite the loss. "We protected the ball properly, cleared well, and got some good ground balls. But unfortunately we came out on the short side."

The Barons began the first half aggressively, dominating possession in the second quarter and out shoot the Bison 27-17 in the first 30 minutes. Despite the Barons' best efforts, they couldn't take the lead hitting the crossbar or post five times in the first half.

"What caught us was our failure to execute on our second and third looks," Rosaschi said. "We had guys open in the middle, but we didn't pass to them and we weren't making our shots."

The Barons picked up their aim in the second half with Sean Wayne scoring five goals in the game, including a spectacular quick stick right in front of the goal while being shoved in the dirt from behind.

Midfielder Sebastian Olsen added three goals with the help of Coach Rosaschi's strategy. Throughout the second half the Barons aimed to get the ball to Olsen so he could take his man one-on-one from the top and dodge down the left or right alley.

"Sebastian is one of our best players," Rosaschi said. "Sebastian, and all of our guys, battled right to the end. I can't ask any more of them."

During the fourth quarter the Barons tied the score 10-10 off of Olsen's third goal as the Baron bench and finds erupted on sideline. Even with the momentum, however, the team's defensive errors kept them from getting ahead, and allowed Bethany to win 12-10.

"Defensively, the game demands major attention from start to finish," Rosaschi said. "There were moments when we lapsed on defense, and we cannot have that in such a close game."

Despite the Barons' defensive mistakes, FUS played more confidently and in-sync than ever before. Their passing and shooting was tighter and more effective than earlier in the season and allowed for their second highest point total of the season. Rosaschi said that this week's theme of 'unity' brought the Barons together for their last game of the season.

"They played as brothers today," Rosaschi said, clearly proud of his men. "They were one unit from beginning to end."

Unfortunately, as the season and the school year ends, the Barons will lose six of their brothers as they graduate. Having dedicated an immense amount of time to a first year program, the seniors have truly sacrificed themselves for their teammates by creating an atmosphere of hard work and dedication.

"Sometimes we do not get to see the fruits of our labors," Rosaschi said. "Our seniors set the bar for us this season. Their maturity and willingness to work hard every single day was an example to our team. It is not always about the wins and losses, but about improving everyday. They've given us something to build from."