ALTOONA, Pa. - Franciscan women's volleyball opened up conference play in dominant fashion with two straight-set sweeps, beating Hilbert 25-12, 25-15 and 25-18 while also beating D'Youville 25-12, 25-13 and 25-11.

"In the first match, we were a little flat and then we came out stronger in the second match," head coach Kelly Herrmann said. "We were pretty dominant. We were managing our errors pretty well. It was exciting. It was a good day."

Since the Lady Barons were so dominant all afternoon, Herrmann got the chance to use some different players. Every girl who was eligible to play got the chance to play in one or both of the matches.

"It's good that we came in and we were playing reasonably good volleyball," Herrmann said. "We didn't dig ourselves any holes so we had those opportunities. It's nice when those players are coming in, just getting chances to be on the court. Honestly, it kind of gets everybody fired up and excited."

Junior setter Rachel Potopa made her way back from injury and got the chance to set a little bit from the back row in each match, finishing with nine assists on the afternoon.

"It's just great to have her back on the court," Herrmann said. "She's kind of pushed herself to get back on the court. She came in, played well, and we were all really happy for her."

Herrmann also continued the setter switch-up with junior Mary Moore and freshman Becca Haven each getting playing time along with Potopa. Moore led the team in assists with 19 while Haven finished with 16.

"I thought all three setters played well," Herrmann remarked. "It's great to have three people who are capable and can set and can come into the match at any time and help you."

All three setters were able to set up the middle hitters particularly well, especially in the D'Youville match. Junior Ellie Waldsmith led the team in kills against the Spartans with nine and did not commit a single hitting error.

"Boy, our middles played very well today, particularly Ellie," Herrmann said. "She was really connecting with all the setters and doing some special sets, quick sets, and that was really awesome to see."

Also helping to lead the team in offense was freshman outside hitter Maria Ciola who played the entire rotation for both matches. The freshman finished with 12 kills and 15 digs across the two matches.

"She played very solid all the way around," Herrmann said. "Defending, hitting, blocking, setting when she had to set, she had a very, very good day."

With Ciola primarily hitting from the right side now, senior outside hitter/defensive specialist Christina Lawrence also got the chance to play all the way around. Lawrence had some of the most consistent play in both matches, finishing with a total of 17 kills and 28 digs.

"With Maria playing on the right side, Christina has the chance to play all the way around and today she just attacked really well, really smart," Herrmann said. "When she's playing well like she did today, she can help us in the front row again. That was really good to see."

Another area of improvement for the Lady Barons was in blocking where the team finished with 14 blocks against Hilbert and 18 against D'Youville. Junior Emily Baznik led the team in blocks with eight across the two matches.

"We blocked well," Herrmann said. "Both teams have hitters who can hit. That was something we were definitely able to improve on today is a little more consistency with our blocking."

The Lady Barons will take a little break from conference play when the team plays host to Washington & Jefferson on September 28 at 7 p.m.