BUFFALO, N.Y. – The defense behind sophomore pitcher Jordan Cunningham continued to struggle as Franciscan softball dropped its doubleheader to D'Youville College 9-1 and 12-2.

"I really thought Jordan gave us a chance to win both games," head coach James Walker said, "but we have to start finding ways to make more plays defensively to help her out."

Cunningham pitched both games and threw the ball particularly well, only giving up five walks total on the afternoon, but Walker said that the defense let her down by committing too many errors.

Franciscan's fielding did have some shining moments, however, as the team turned two big double plays. Freshman Maura Manning spearheaded one of those double plays by snagging a line drive at third base and then tagging out the runner at third, saving the Lady Barons from giving up more runs.

In the outfield, freshman Caroline Durand also made some big plays, catching five fly balls while on the run in center field.

Senior captain Hailey Wesselman continued to lead the offensive attack for the Lady Barons, scoring the team's only run in the first game with sophomore Iliana Gonzales getting the RBI. The senior also had a double in the second game, finishing the day 1-4 at the plate.

In the second game, FUS was able to jump out to an early 1-0 lead after the top of the first. Cunningham got the RBI on a ground out to the shortstop to bring in freshman Sarah Cole.

However, the Spartans answered with four runs across three innings until Cunningham came to the plate in the top of the fourth. The sophomore smashed an RBI single to score sophomore Shannon Sommers for the team's second and last run of the game.

Cunningham finished 1-5 at the plate with a single and two RBIs.

The doubleheader against the Spartans marks the return to play after a short Easter break for the Lady Barons. Walker said that four days off definitely hurt the team but that they still need to be able to make the routine plays on defense.

The Lady Barons will continue to improve their defense on the road for a doubleheader with Bethany College (W.V.) on April 7 at 3:30 and 5:30 pm.