STEUBENVILLE, Ohio - In a close game with Penn St. Behrend, the Lady Barons struggled to convert shots into baskets, ultimately resulting in a 59-56 Kuzma Day loss.

The conversion struggle was reflected in low game stats for the entire team. With a 34.9 shooting percentages and 18.8 three-pointer percentage, the Lady Barons were not playing to their usual high standard. Slow shooting cost the Lady Barons the win.   

"Shooting just wasn't our strong point today," said Head Coach Suzy Delaney.  "We got a lot of good looks right under the basket, but they just didn't make the hoop." 

Despite the difficult stats, the team worked hard to make it a difficult win for the Lions.  With only 7:21 minutes left in the second half, the Lady Barons pulled ahead.  A three-pointer from freshman guard Sarah Schriner put the Lady Barons up 45-43, the Lady Barons' first lead of the game.

After an electrifying five-minute lead, Behrend pushed the Lady Barons back into a 53-53 tie, but the Lady Barons came out ahead again, this time with a free throw from Schriner.   

With only 30 seconds left, the Lions once again took the elead, finishing a 3-pointer and bringing the score up to 57-56.  Two more three throws, made with only 10 seconds on the clock, handed the Lions the win.

Following the close loss, Delaney noted that stamina is an important goal for the Lady Barons.  Looking ahead, the team refuses to let the score of this game change their commitment to playing excellent basketball.

"We just have to work on our mental toughness, being out on the field and playing good basketball," Delaney said. "And in the spirit of a former coach Vince Oliver, tomorrow is a new day." 

The Lady Barons will have the chance to test their commitment to excellence in their 1pm home conference game against D'Youville College on January 11.