ALTOONA, Pa. – Franciscan softball had some of its best fielding of the season, only committing two errors total in their doubleheader against Penn St.-Altoona, losing 17-3 and 9-0 on the road.

"That's something we were trying to definitely build on from yesterday's game," head coach James Walker said about the improved fielding. "That's definitely nice to see. We are doing a much better job with that."

Despite having a stronger defense behind her, senior Hailey Wesselman struggled with her command as she pitched the first 3.1 innings of the first game, giving up 13 earned runs on five hits and 10 walks.

Wesselman was able to shake off her rough afternoon on the mound by making up for it at the plate. The senior went 2-3 in the first game with a double and three RBIs and added another double in the second game for the team's only hit in that game.

"She's actually hitting the ball really well," Walker said. "I don't think there's anyone in the park that hits the ball as well as she does. The key is getting a couple of the other players hitting the ball on a little more consistent of a basis."

Freshmen Lindsey Finch and Sarah Cole each added a single in the first game and came around to score off Wesselman's double in the top of the third inning, which rounded out Franciscan's offense for the afternoon.

The senior captain, who currently has the team's highest batting average, has been setting quite the example for a team that holds nine freshmen on its roster. Walker said that her leadership and presence on the team has helped the newer girls have more quality at-bats.

"Everything she does, she's a great team captain for us," Walker said. "She is really helping the younger kids feel more comfortable during their at-bats."

The Lady Barons will get a couple of days off for Easter before traveling to Buffalo to take on D'Youville College on April 6 at 3 and 5 pm.