GREENSBURG, Pa. - Franciscan women's basketball hung tough on the road in their first-ever conference tournament appearance since becoming NCAA members, against a veteran-laden Pitt.-Greensburg team, losing by a final score of 70-59.

"Tonight we ran into a team lead by a collection of talented seniors in Pitt.-Greensburg," head women's basketball coach Suzy Delaney said. "I am very proud of our effort tonight. I'm so proud of this team and the character they displayed this season."

Freshman guard Sarah Schriner stole the show for the Lady Barons, playing one of the best games of her young career despite the pressure-filled situation of her first college playoff game. Schriner displayed confidence beyond her years, continually driving to the hoop to keep Franciscan in a tight game.

The freshman had 15 of her team-high 24 points in the first half with the rest of the team accounting for Franciscan's other 15 points in the half, going into the locker room down 32-30.

"Sarah was fearless tonight," Delaney said. "Pitt.-Greensburg didn't have an answer for her."

Leading the Lady Barons on the defensive side was junior guard Monica Dawyot, who grabbed 12 of her 16 rebounds on the defensive glass. Dawyot's career-best rebounding effort helped Franciscan to win the overall rebounding battle 47-36, another key to a close game.

"Monica's rebounding kept us in the game," Delaney said. "I am proud of the toughness she displayed tonight."

The 47 team rebounds only went so far, as FUS was unable to convert those extra opportunities, shooting only 30.3 percent in the second half to Greensburg's 41.4 percent.

Overall, Franciscan played well in its first postseason appearance, besting season averages of 34.5 rebounds per game and free throw percentage, sinking 17-20 for 85 percent compared to a season average of 67.2 percent.

The game also marked senior forward Lacey Huck's last-ever appearance on a basketball court. The three-year captain has seen the Franciscan women's basketball program through a lot of growth, from three wins in her freshman year to 10 wins and a playoff appearance in her senior year.

Huck played the last 11 minutes of her storied career with four fouls, something she has had a lot of experience doing in her previous years on the team. Her strong play and leadership in those minutes also keep the Lady Barons in a close game.

The senior appropriately finished her last game in a Franciscan uniform with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.

"Lacey going out with a double-double is fitting," Delaney said. "What she has meant to our program, you can't even measure. Who she is as a person far outweighs the great player she is."

While Huck's presence on the team will be missed, the Lady Barons will return a talented lineup that has gained valuable experience being on the same team with such a great leader. 

The Lady Barons will look to continue to improve as a program and in the AMCC in the 2015-2016 season, led by the potent offense of Schriner and sophomore guard Iliana Gonzales.