STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – In a ramp up match to the AMCC playoffs, Lady Baron tennis beat an undefeated Washington & Jefferson team 6-3, again showcasing Franciscan's depth.

The non-conference match was the Lady Barons second to last match of the season and the team entered the day having already clinched the first seed in their conference tournament.

"I told the girls to use it as a practice match for next weekend," head coach Jenna Lynch said. "I didn't want them to pay attention to the score but to focus on playing boldly and without reservation."

The relaxed mindset worked for Franciscan with FUS taking a 2-1 lead after doubles play and then winning four of six singles matches.

As has often been the case throughout the season, it was the back end of the Lady Baron's lineup that made the difference. FUS won at no. 2 and no. 3 doubles and then won at no. 3, 4, 5, and 6 singles.

"The depth has been a big reason why we've won a lot of matches," Lynch said. "Most small division III teams are only going to have a few really good players but our whole lineup is strong."

Adding to the depth of the team is the return of freshman Anna O'Connor who played her first singles match since being injured about a month ago. O'Connor, who played at no. 6 before her injury, won 6-0, 6-2 in the no. 5 spot and showed no signs of rust.

"It wasn't that she played consistently but I was surprised that she played so clean and was able to close out so quickly," Lynch said.

Perhaps the most confident close out of the day went to sophomore Erin Coyne who was also playing up one spot at no. 4 singles but won confidently anyway 6-0, 6-0. The other winners in singles play for the Lady Barons were sophomore Allison Jenson at no. 3 and freshman Emmy Mathias at no. 6.

"Overall, it was good practice and a good booster," Lynch said. "That's how we were looking at it heading into the match and that's how we're looking at it coming out. We just have to not taking anything for granted and take things one day at a time."

The Lady Barons have one more match before the start of the AMCC playoffs. They'll play on the road against non-conference opponent Westminster College on October 14 at 4 pm.