WILMINGTON, Ohio- The Franciscan University men's lacrosse team fell to Wilmington College 18-6. The Barons had a strong offensive showing with 39 shots and six goals. Strong performances came from freshman midfielder/forward Luke Gilman and sophomore midfielder/forward Ryan Zbikowski.

"Our guys never quit and played with heart," head coach Pete Rosaschi said. "It was a difficult game and we had an off day today but they really fought through it."

The Quakers were off to a quick start winning the first quarter 4-0. The Barons won the opening faceoff and scored their first goal 64 seconds into the second quarter. They quickly followed it up with their second goal scoring off a man up opportunity.

Despite a strong offensive showing with seventeen shots in the first half the Barons were unable to hold off Wilmington's strong offense attack and lost the first half 8-2. FUS stepped up their offensive play in the second half scoring four goals and 22 shots, but were unable to stop Wilmington College in the end losing 18-6.

Rosaschi said the team improved on its face-offs, groundballs, and turnovers. The Barons won 12 of 26 ace-offs and three of those wins resulted in quick goals. The Barons had 39 shots on goal, one shot away from reaching their goal of 40.

"We're just getting adjusted to the college game and learning how to know when to take an open shot," Rosaschi said. "We had a little more patience on offense today, but the efficiency didn't show up. However, we're making great strides on offense and that's fantastic to see."

Leadership on offense came from Gilman and  Zbikowski. Gilman led the team with three goals and Zbikowski was close behind with two goals and two assists.

"Gilman played really well and stepped up today," Rosaschi said of the team's leading scorer. "Ryan continues to be a key player for us down on the offensive end; he really steps up and does good work. I think they understand each other and work well together even though they've only been working together for a year and a half."

The Barons face John Carroll University in their next competition on March 26, starting at 7pm.