COLUMBUS, Ohio – In its second game of the season, a fast offensive onslaught cost the Franciscan University men's lacrosse team against Capital University. Despite a four goal rally late in the third and fourth quarters the Barons were unable to recover after a ten goal deficit, losing 13-4.

"We came out very flat in the first half," head coach Pete Rosaschi said. "Capital is well coached and they're a quality team no question. We turned the ball over way to much in the first half and got a little undisciplined in our defensive slides."

The game opened with the Crusaders taking control of the field and immediately putting pressure on the Baron's defense. Four minutes into the first quarter Capital scored their first goal and set the pace for the rest of the half.

Winning only one of four face-offs in the first quarter the Barons faced constant pressure from the Crusaders offense and FUS was unable to respond to their four goal lead.

"We knew where their offense was coming from, they just executed better than we did," Rosaschi said. "We've been working on limiting the number of shots by the opposing team. We kept their shooting percentage down but they had way too many opportunities."

The first quarter was indicative of how the rest of the half went; Franciscan ended the first half down 8-0. At half time the Barons made some offensive changes in order to open up the middle and hopefully get some production up top.

Rosaschi said the team had been working on their offensive set leading up to the game and the play on the field was proper but they didn't execute the way they should have.

With less than two minutes left to go in the third quarter sophomore Ryan Zbikowski scored their first goal of the day with an assist from freshman Luke Gilman.

The Barons ended the half with three more goals, an improvement from their first half performance. Despite a great second half showing losing only 5-4, FUS was unable to bridge the gap and finished the game 13-4.

"Offensively we just need to settle down," Rosaschi said. "We don't have the depth and experience of some other teams across the board, and we have to continue to learn from each other and adapt to the college level. It's just going to take time and dedication."

Offensively, Zbikowski was the Barons leading scorer with two goals on the day, and Gilman finished with three assists. On the defensive end, freshman William Scott had a great showing in his second college game and freshman goalie Jonah Soucy ended the day with twenty saves.

"William Scott played an outstanding job in his second game ever and Coach Hoover and I are very proud of him," Rosaschi said. "The guys didn't quit and I'm very proud of their second half play."

The Barons will face Bethany College for their next game on March 5 starting at 5 p.m.