STEUBENVILLE, Ohio—A combination of the team's highest shooting percentage to date and widespread offensive production led the Lady Barons to their first victory of the season, a 61-57 win against conference opponent University of Pitt.-Bradford.

"I am just so proud of our effort today," head women's basketball coach Suzy Delaney said. "We've been challenging the girls to weather the ups and downs. Today, they really embraced that challenge and answered it."

The team as a whole demonstrated significant improvement in shooting, averaging 55.8 percent from the floor and 62.5 percent free throw shooting.

Freshman forward Bernadette Roach shone in the second half, playing her best game of the season, despite battling an illness. Her seven rebounds gave the Lady Barons a lift to finish the game strong, and the forward added five points.

"It was all heart from Bernadette," Delaney said, "She had such big boards in the second half, putting forth the effort that needed to be there."

Leading the Lady Barons on the offensive end was senior forward Lacey Huck, who finished with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists.  Huck's defensive performance was even more significant, shutting down Bradford's most potent player in senior Alicia Kimmel.

Delaney said she was not surprised by the senior's stellar performance.

Sophomore guard Iliana Gonzales was also able to spread the floor, driving the ball and hitting jump shots to give the Lady Barons more scoring options. Gonzales finished with 15 points.

Continuing a strong performance from the past few games was freshman guard Sarah Schriner, who finished with 14 points. The young player displayed notable composure, late in the game, sinking two free throws with 1.9 seconds left to seal the win for the Lady Barons.

"Even the last week of practice, she has been a leader for us, stepping more into that point guard role and getting more comfortable," Delaney said. "It is so great for us because she is the coach on the floor. As she gets more comfortable, it helps our flow as a team."

The Lady Barons will continue to build on their strong overall performance as they travel to take on the Hawks of Hilbert College December 13 at 2 pm.