STEUBENVILLE, Ohio—The Lady Barons faced a lot of challenges against non-conference opponent Denison, losing in straight sets 19-25, 13-25, and 8-25. Despite the loss, several FUS freshmen stepped up to contribute to a deflated lineup.

"What was so overwhelming was their blocking," Head Coach Kelly Hermann said. "When a team has a big block and a strong defense behind them, then it's tough. Denison has very good defenders and a good libero."

Despite on court challenges, the Lady Barons also had to deal with injuries and illnesses from a few of their key players. Sophomore middle hitters Ana Tolkach and Emily Baznik did not play, resulting in a diminished blocking presence for the Lady Barons.

Senior setter Amy O'Keefe led the Lady Baron's offense, finishing the night with a team-high of seven kills. Freshman middle hitter Maria Hruby was also able to step up in Tolkach's absence, finishing with three kills on the night.

"Maria is solid in every area of the game," Hermann said. "Because she had a slow start due to her injuries, I think she played a little uptight at the beginning of the season, trying a little too hard at times. She's really settling in now, playing good volleyball. "

Stepping up in Baznik's absence was senior right side hitter Jackie Zucco. Zucco made the most of the opportunities she was given throughout the night, finishing with three kills.

"When she gets a chance to go in, she is ready," Herrmann said. "Everybody can learn a little bit from that."

Hermann worked with her rotations throughout the match, giving some different freshman valuable game experience. Freshmen outside hitter Juli Buehnerkemper and right side hitter Bella Wedig subbed into the match during the second and third sets and each finished the night with one kill.

"Bella's body language and attitude shows how thankful she is to be on the court at all times," Herrmann said. "If you focus on that aspect of the game, you don't get so uptight and worried."

Hermann said that this kind of non-conference match shows what the team needs to continue to work on as they work towards the conference tournament.

"These non-conference matches are important," Hermann said. "We don't walk out on the court not caring about a non-conference match."

The Lady Barons will continue moving forward against their next non-conference opponent on the road against Carnegie Mellon on October 15 at 7 pm.